KZN mining industry faces job crisis

'Reigniting investor interest in mining exploration is critical'

- THAMI MAGUBANE

THE mining industry in KwaZulu-Natal is shedding jobs at an alarming rate, raising fears that this could trigger unnecessary migration of skilled young people in search of jobs.

Northern KwaZulu-Natal is one of the areas considered to have significant potential; however, there is currently limited mining activity, and some operations are closing down. The Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Edtea) has identified this sector as a catalyst for growth.

Members of the Edtea portfolio committee were briefed on the state of mining in the province recently. The Head of Department, Nhlakanipho Nkontwana, speaking on the sectors that drive the province's economy, said: "In mining, we are nowhere; if there is really something to go by, it's very little." This admission comes amid the closure of mining-related activities in the province.

It was reported that Assmang Manganese Cato Ridge could close, putting 600 jobs on the line, while ArcelorMittal Steel in Newcastle faces the potential loss of 3000 jobs, along with two other companies in Northern KZN.

"We are engaging the Department of Mineral Resources to assess the impact of mining, especially in the northern part: Zululand and Umzinyathi. It is an area that we still need to pursue because it's labour-intensive, but as far as mining is concerned, we do not feature," said Nkontwana.