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(HERALD) Hwange turns back to old mines

Hwange turns back to old mines
Business Reporter/New Ziana

HWANGE Colliery Company is considering to re-start coal extraction at some of its disused mines with approximate reserves of 40 million tonnes. Managing director Mr Fred Moyo said that two companies, including a South Africa-based French water treatment company, Veolia, have been shortlisted to dewater the underground mines before the actual coal mining begins.

"We are working with two South African firms, with one of them, Veolia already shortlisted to carry out the work at our underground mines.

"It is one of the largest water treatment companies in South Africa. The extracted acidic water would be made safe for drinking," said Mr Moyo.

This could extend the life span of the coal mining giant that has been left with deposits that could last for not more than 40 years.

Hwange has since applied to the Government for further special mining grants.

Currently, Hwange is producing about 260 000 tonnes of coal. However, production is likely to go up by 30 000 tonnes following the recent acquisition of a coal screening plant.

Mr Moyo said the project would include resuscitating remnant mines that currently are flooded with water, thereby inhibiting mining operations.

"We are working on a plan which will be finalised when the board meets in November which will boost production to as much as 40 million tonnes of coal between 2012 and 2013," he said.

"In the process we may lose about 10 percent of coal as it dissolves in the acidic water but we should be able to still get 30 million tonnes," he added.

The ambitious plan would involve pumping out water from some of the mines that Hwange had abandoned due to dwindling deposits.

Hwange has announced the acquisition of a coal screening machine that will see monthly coal output jumping by an additional 30 000 tonnes.

The country’s largest coal producer is seeking funding from the Development Bank of Southern Africa to jolt its operations.

Coal output had dwindled over the past decade due to the unprecedented economic meltdown that the country went through. — Business Reporter/New Ziana

Labels: COAL, FRED MOYO, HWANGE COLLIERY COMPANY

posted by MrK @ 11:33 PM