North West Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi has applauded Harmony Gold for an investment of R1.5 billion at its Stilfontein operations in the City of Matlosana.
The investment is a culmination of ongoing efforts by Mokgosi to lure investments and address the scourge of unemployment in the province.
“Earlier this year Premier Mokgosi met with the company’s Executive Management on the side-lines of the Africa Mining Indaba to discuss a number of issues relating to diversification, localisation and SMME development.
“The initiative - which will create several job opportunities for the people of the province - adds to R7 billion worth of investment by the mine in 2022, which includes an extension of Moab-Khotsong operations at Stilfontein,” said the provincial government in a statement.
Mokgosi said the investment gives credence to government’s efforts of fostering partnerships with the various stakeholders to create an enabling environment for investment and job creation.
“This forms part of a broader strategy by government to encourage investments in the province. I have no doubt that as more investments trickle in, several more job and business opportunities will be created and this will help reduce the high unemployment figures afflicting the province,” the Premier said.
Newly appointed Chief Executive Officer Beyers Nel said the renewable energy investment forms part of its long-term investment and diversification strategy.
“Through our R7 billion investment in 2022, we managed to preserve 6000 jobs for locals, extending the mine’s lifespan by 20 years. In 2020, we acquired Mine Waste Solutions leading to an investment of over R2 billion and we have created close to 2500 jobs, 70% of which are locals.”
Mokgosi lauded the mine and further urged them to support the Province’s Development Fund, which is primarily aimed at addressing infrastructure backlogs in the province. – SAnews.gov.za
