Pretoria - Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane on Monday met with the families of the three trapped Lily Mine workers as well as other employees and management of the mine.
“The objective of the meeting was to receive feedback from the mine’s management on progress made in securing funding that will enable the mine to compensate the affected families and mineworkers, as well as to develop a decline for retrieval of the container.
“The company indicated that the mine was in talks with possible investors who have shown interest,” the department said in a statement.
Three mineworkers – Solomon Nyirende, Yvonne Mnisi and Pretty Nkambule – were trapped underground when a shipment container that was used as a lamp room sunk underground on 5 February 2016. Their remains are yet to be retrieved.
Minister Zwane and Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza committed to engage neighbouring mining companies in an effort to negotiate that some Lily Mine and Barbrook employees be employed, adding that 10 job opportunities have already been secured.
The Mpumalanga Provincial Government has committed to provide food parcels to the affected families.
Minister Zwane said government remains committed to working with the mine in retrieving the container as this will bring closure for the families. He also committed to provide regular feedback on progress made. – SAnews.gov.za
