Over R 7 billion investment on the horizon as Premier Maape engages with Harmony Gold on its North West operations
North West Premier, Kaobitsa Bushy Maape has lauded Harmony Gold for its forthcoming investment in its Klerksdorp operations in the City of Matlosana Local Municipality. Premier Maape said the investment will preserve much needed jobs in the province. The engagement with Harmony Gold by Premier Maape forms part of ongoing efforts by provincial government to build partnerships towards growing the economy and creating an enabling environment for job creation.
“The unemployment rate in our province is standing at around thirty five percent and this situation is unsustainable. Hence our drive to engage with different stakeholders to see how best we can deal with these challenges and in particular bring these numbers down. Our engagements with the private sector are encouraging because investment is continuing and this will assist us in dealing with the scourge of poverty and unemployment confronting our province” Premier Maape said.
The management of the mine has indicated that a total over seven billion rand will be spent on two capital projects.
These include Zaaiplats which is an extension of the existing Moab-Khotsong operation which will see the lifespan of the mine extended by a further eighteen years, preserving over six thousand jobs. The Kareerand expansion project will increase the lifespan of mine waste solutions by sixteen years creating various socio-economic opportunities for locals. Chief Operating Officer Beyers Nel said the company has over the years spent over five hundred million on Black-Owned Entities.
“Responsible stewardship is our first strategic pillar at Harmony. Through our collaborative efforts with government, we can truly demonstrate what it means to be a good corporate citizen, addressing the many socio-economic problems confronting our host communities” said Nel.
The company has also committed to help government deal with the challenges of unemployment and poverty in the province through various Social and Labour Plans as well as Corporate Social Investment initiatives. Ends
Source: Government of South Africa