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3 500 JOBS EXPECTED AT GREEN CHERT MINE

05/09/2024 08:52:00 Andile Nsibandze

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MBABANE – About 3 500 jobs are expected to be created in the anticipated Green Chert mining project.

The project is poised to drive long-term economic growth and support a strong recovery in northern Hhohho. A mining licence for the extraction of green chert on Farm 780 and Portion 1 of Farm 357 in the Hhohho region was given to Michael Lee Enterprises Eswatini (MLE). The company was initially given mining rights by Ingwenyama on recommendation of the Minerals Management Board for chert and gold, valid for a duration of 25 years. The company indicated that when fully operational, the mine is expected to employ 3 500 people, generate wages for the unemployed youth of the areas abutting the mineral pit, and contribute extensively to gross domestic product over its 25-year life span.

To support the project, government has worked together with conservationists and the local environmental regulatory body to help coordinate the environmental assessment process, review the closure plan for the mine, and move the permitting process forward. This has reportedly helped to reduce delays and remove regulatory barriers for permitting and approvals to help support commencement of the project. Mining has been identified as a possible key driver of the country’s economy and government has been promoting plans for the extraction and utilisation of mineral resources, such as coal, gold and even Green Chert.

This is contained in an Impact Assessment and Comprehensive report that has been released by the Eswatini Environmental Authority. The approval of the proposed mining project has been described as proof that government supports development that is beneficial to communities while maintaining a commitment to conservation, because conservationists were also given an opportunity to make an input after concerns were raised regarding the mining site’s close proximity to a nature conservation area, being Malolotja Game Reserve.

Meanwhile, the company that has received the greenlight to mine Green Chert at Malolotja has set aside about E5 million for mitigation of mine impacted environmental and social issues.
This is contained in an Impact Assessment and Comprehensive report that has been released by the Eswatini Environmental Authority.Green chert is a much generalised term given to an outcrop of greenstone rock on a cliff face at a proposed mining site. The name gives credence to the rock’s colour, and of being composed of chert which comprises mainly of microcrystalline quartz.

Michael Lee Enterprisees Eswatini (MLE) was initially given mining rights by Ingwenyama on recommendation of the Minerals Management Board for chert and gold, valid for a duration of 25 years. However, in compliance with the country’s laws, particularly Eswatini Environmental Assessment Regulations of 2022, the company submitted a project brief with the EEA for categorisation of the proposed chert mining operation. The EEA confirmed the proposed mine as Category 3, which required a full Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and development of a Comprehensive Mitigation Plan. The services of a private consultant were sought by the company to carry out the exercise.

It was after the exercise was carried out that EEA gave the proposed mining of the natural mineral the nod, despite concerns that were previously raised by residents and stakeholders. There had been fears that the mining of the green stone could negatively impact the local tourism industry, given that the site of the anticipated mining activity is close to well-known archeological and heritage sites.

However, an expert with EEA, following an assessment of the concerns raised, gave the proposed mining activity the go ahead. But this was not without caveats. It was recommended that in the event that the mining activity gets to expose archeological sites and graves, this must be immediately reported to the ENTC so that investigations and evaluations can be carried out. “From the archeology and heritage point of view, it is recommended that the proposed mining operation be allowed to continue. “However, it is requested that should archeological sites or graves become exposed during the mining activities, this must be immediately reported to the ENTC so that an investigation and evaluations of the finds (sic) can be made,” concluded the expert report. The expert reached this conclusion after the company had presented its provisional budget of the comprehensive mitigation plan (CMP). The cost of implementing the CMP was estimated at E5 073 000.