Diamond Mine to sparkle in August

The minister said Roux Consolidated Investments, the company that was given the licence to mine by government, apprised her of the commencement of operations. The company is owned by Roux Shabangu, a South African property businessman.

Jabulani Dlamini, a Swazi, is the co-director of the company.

The minister was responding to growing concern by legislators about the delay in the reopening of the mine. The reopening of the mine was postponed last year August because the investor needed more time to conduct some tests.

"Let me put it that restarting a mine is a very long process that needs proper infrastructure development such as roads, offices and so on. Also, rocks must be drilled for sampling of the mineral and then taken to neighbouring countries to be tested," explained the minister. She said even in the institutions where tests are conducted there were long queues. Further more, apart from feasibility research, the mine itself must also be checked if it was still safe for workmen to be there.

The minister was asked by the senators on what she would do next if the investor disappointed again by failing to reopen the mine, her response was that she would have a long talk with Shabangu (investor). "I expect the mine to start operations in August, if not, we’ll have a talk," the minister said.

Meanwhile, Senator Bhutana Dlamini said there were a lot of wrongs than rights currently happening at the mine before it can open.

"Uyaganga Nkhosi (you are wrong Nkhosi) this is a joke. Has the investor done mining before? As minister, you have the power to stop the unending testing processes that have been going on there for some time," said the senator.

Other senators had expressed concern that testing at the mine had gone on for too long and to some extent raised suspicions.

Senator Moi Moi Masilela said the investors who were granted licences to mine minerals in the kingdom were not really investors but people with money. He urged the minister to scrutinise the investors.

"Kudlalwa ngatsi la (they are fooling with us), the iron ore and also diamond mines operated before and the investors at that time left because the mineral had finished," said Senator Edgar Hillary.

Comments

Abe tsine itosisita ngani le dayimane. Futsi lakaNgwane!!!!
Jun 14, 2012, 4:58 PM, Nomie (titibenn@gmail.com)

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