Coal exploration and mining company Canyon Coal is projected to commence production at the Ukufisa Colliery Extension in Springs, Gauteng in South Africa, in 2020.
The firm is expected to commence construction on the Ukufisa Colliery phase 2 project by the end of 2019, based on the current milestones.
The Ukufisa Phase 2 project has secured environmental approval from the South African Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) in March 2019.
The Phase 2 project is expected to increase the Ukufisa mine’s life to almost 30 years at a planned production capacity of 400 000 t/m run-of-mine (ROM) of coal.
Canyon Coal group project manager Clifford Hallatt was quoted by Mining Weekly as saying that the project, however, is due to secure mining rights as well as an integrated water-use licence.
Hallatt said: “We have made good progress with the respective government departments and have addressed all their comments. “Proven mitigation measures have been proposed to limit the potential impacts that might emanate from the mining activities.
“Based on the efficiencies displayed by these departments, we are confident that we will receive the outstanding approvals within reasonable time.”
Canyon Coal is implementing conventional truck and shovel mining methods at the Ukufisa Phase 1 opencast mine.
Canyon Coal executive chairperson Vuslat Bayoglu said: “Canyon is one of the few mining firms investing in development of new coal mines.
“We will continue to invest; Phase 2 of Ukufisa once again highlights our commitment to the South African mining sector and coal mining specifically.”
Once operational, the Ukufisa Phase 2 project is expected to create 320 jobs.
