Pretoria - Cabinet has joined President Jacob Zuma in calling on the nation to keep the three mineworkers who are still trapped underground at the Lily Gold Mine and their families, in their thoughts and prayers.
Briefing the media on the outcomes of a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Jeff Radebe, said the Minister of Mineral Resources Mosebenzi Zwane, Minister in the Presidency Susan Shabangu and Minister of Social Development Bathabile Dlamini had briefed Cabinet on the latest developments at the mine in Barberton.
President Zuma has appointed the Ministers to provide support to the provincial government, mine owners and affected families following the incident at the mine in Barberton.
Earlier this month, Yvonne Mnisi, Pretty Mazibuko and Solomon Nyerende were working in a shipping container office when the entrance of the mine collapsed, leading to the container falling into the ground.
A mines rescue drill rig has been secured to bore an escape outlet for the three miners. This machine is capable of drilling a 600mm diameter hole, which will reach five level. The drill is expected to arrive on Thursday.
Mining Indaba
Meanwhile, Minister Radebe said Cabinet has welcomed the commitment made by the Japanese government to increase its investment in South Africa.
Minister Zwane met with Parliamentary Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Tsuneo Kitamura, on the sidelines of the Mining Indaba which was recently held in Cape Town.
Japan remains a major trading partner for South Africa, with about 140 companies active in the country and over 150 000 jobs created.
Furthermore, Cabinet has reaffirmed its commitment to a stable and flourishing mining sector.
“The Framework Agreement for a Sustainable Mining Industry supports the mining industry in this current difficult environment.
“Government continues to provide a regulatory certainty and will ensure the finalization of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Bill, which is before Parliament,” Minister Radebe said. – SAnews.gov.za
