Canyon Coal heeded its host community’s call to hold a Procurement Day event for businesses around Khanye colliery in Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng.

More than 350 representatives of local businesses near Canyon Coal’s Khanye mine had an opportunity to engage with the company during an insightful workshop held at the Bronkhorstspruit Sports Centre on 23 November. Canyon organised the workshop following a request by the host community during a public engagement process three months ago. Residents had requested detailed presentation about mining operations and potential business opportunities.

Solomon Phiri, CEO of Money Cometh Financial Services, said the event was worthwhile. “I would encourage other small business owners to avail themselves when such engagements take place,” Phiri said. His sentiments were echoed by local entrepreneur Lolo Mphuthi who thanked Canyon for organising the workshop. “I learned so much about procurement in the mining industry,” Mphuthi said.

Madhuva Mposi and Sabelo Kumalo from Canyon’s procurement division delivered a comprehensive presentation to representatives of local companies on a wide range of topics including procurement principles, tips on compiling and submitting business proposals and conducting market research.

Canyon Coal Procurement Manager Tom Pullen said it was crucial for local enterprises to have a full understanding of the Canyon business. “We are pleased that the community is keen to engage on matters of procurement because this gives us a platform to share pivotal information that will help local enterprises submit proposals in the event that business opportunities open up in future,” said Pullen.

Over the years Canyon has established good working relationships with local suppliers near Khanye who support its operations with a variety of services including coal haulage, cleaning, catering and machine hire, among others.

Canyon appoints companies that comply with the required standards, to ensure that professionalism and safety are upheld across its operations. Interested service providers must go through a vetting process and comply with the relevant market pricing. “This information session supports the company’s commitment to keep our processes as transparent and inclusive as possible,” Pullen concluded.