Economy

MBABANE – About 3 500 people will be directly and indirectly employed at the green chert mine beneficiation factory at Nkomazi, northern Hhohho.

A beneficiation factory, or beneficiation plant, is a facility that processes raw ore or other materials to increase the concentration of valuable components and remove impurities, thereby enhancing its value.

Direct jobs, such as construction workers, equipment operators, site supervisors, engineers and administrative staff, will be afforded to qualifying individuals. Indirect jobs, created through suppliers and service providers supporting the project, including transport companies, fuel suppliers and material vendors, will also be available.

This is contained in the Environmental Impact and Assessment Mitigation Plan for the proposed development of a green chert beneficiation factory and supporting infrastructure at Nkomazi. The assessment report was prepared by Geo Solutions.

It was previously reported that the opening of the green chert mine at Malolotja is projected to generate 1 500 jobs, so it is anticipated that the overall job creation for the entire mine is around 5 000.

The latest Labour Force Survey Report and Youth Thematic Report, launched in May, reflect that the country’s overall unemployment rate rose from 33 per cent to 35 per cent. However, youth unemployment showed a decrease of 2.02 per cent, falling from 58 per cent to 56 per cent.

The report reflects that the planning and construction phases of the proposed beneficiation factory are expected to create substantial employment opportunities, contributing to local economic growth and improved household livelihoods. Local community members are expected to benefit directly from opportunities such as general labour positions during site preparation and construction, security and cleaning services, catering and food provision for on-site workers, driver and transport-related jobs, as well as clerical and support staff for site offices.

Michael Lee Enterprises Eswatini (Pty) Ltd (MLE), a mining company incorporated in the Kingdom of Eswatini on September 29, 2021, is engaged in the exploration and extraction of stones, ores and minerals. According to the report, MLE was granted a mining right by Ingwenyama on March 7, 2024, following approval by the Minerals Management Board (MMB).

This right permits the extraction of cherty rock and gold on Farm 780 and Portion 1 of Farm 357 in the Hhohho Region, covering approximately 397 hectares. While gold mining is included in the licence, MLE is presently focused on chert extraction.

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Over E14.8m resettlement budget

MBABANE – At least E14 805 739 has been set aside for the resettlement action plan (RAP).

The factory construction (which requires approximately 25 hectares) is anticipated to have land requirements that belong to individual persons.  As a result, Michael Lee Enterprises (MLE) has engaged a consultant, Simtho Line Consulting firm, to develop a full RAP.

Over 40 properties will be affected by the resettlement plan as reflected in the report.

The main objective of this RAP is to mitigate unavoidable adverse social and economic impacts from land acquisition or restrictions on land use along the Nkomazi River area as a direct result of the construction of the beneficiation plant and supporting infrastructure of MLE, as depicted in the Environmental Impact and Assessment Mitigation Plan for the proposed development of a green chert beneficiation factory and supporting infrastructure at Nkomazi.

It is also to ensure that compensation is carried out in a manner that is in accordance with applicable national legislation and regulatory requirements, while also taking from international best practices. It further seeks to establish the types of compensation, eligibility and resettlement support to be provided to Project Affected Persons (PAPs).

Specifically, this RAP intends to identify the number of PAPs and the quantity of their losses through an asset inventory, define the legal framework and good practice that apply to the project activities and establish an eligibility and entitlement framework that applies to all PAPs.

*Full article available in our publication.

It was previously reported that the opening of the green chert mine at Malolotja is projected to generate 1 500 jobs, so it is anticipated that the overall job creation for the entire mine is around 5 000. (Pic: GroundUp)