Exxaro sod-turning ceremony in Belfast
JSE-listed diversified miner Exxaro Resources on October 23 held a sod-turning ceremony in Belfast, Mpumalanga, to mark the start of its rehabilitation of the town’s streets and associated stormwater management systems.
As part of Exxaro’s commitment to local economic development, the objective is to rehabilitate Fitzgerald, Boult, Duggen and McDonald streets and improve the current conditions of paved roads with stormwater drainage systems, the company says.
Exxaro hopes that the improvements to the Mpumalanga town will enhance the residents’ quality of life and positively contribute to the Emakhazeni economy.
The rehabilitation project, valued at R15-million, forms part of the company’s Belfast mine social and labour plan for 2019 to 2023.
It brings about procurement opportunities worth R3.5-million for local small, medium-sized and microenterprises, while more than 100 short-term job opportunities will be created during construction.
Stakeholder affairs head Mzila Mthenjane says the company remains committed to socioeconomic development and improving the lives of its host communities, especially creating a future for communities beyond the lifespan of Exxaro’s coal mines.