More than R9 Billion to create 3000 Jobs in North West

The North West Provincial Government is adamant that in the next five years, more than 3000 jobs will be created in the mining sector. Premier Bushy Maape met with the Executives from Sedibelo Platinum Mine. Maape said a forthcoming investment of R9.4 billion by Sedibelo Platinum Mine in its operations at Pilanesberg Platinum Mine near Moruleng in Moses Kotane Local Municipality, serves as a vote of confidence in the North West Province.

The Province experienced enormous economic shocks as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic resulting in a decline of 7,6% in the provincial GDP in 2020. Premier Maape says this investment is a step in the right direction in resuscitating the economy.

“The unemployment rate stands at thirty three percent in the province. As government we need to do everything in our power to take these numbers down. We are engaging different stakeholders and in particular the private sector to work hand in glove with us to address the challenges of unemployment and poverty confronting our province. These engagements are yielding the desired results” remarked Premier Maape.

The management of the mine indicated that over the next five years, up to three thousand jobs will be created by the development of an underground mine and of a Kell plant at Pilanesberg Platinum Mine.

Chief Executive Officer, Erich Clarke, indicated that in addition the investment will create various economic opportunities for local business people.

“Our plans also entail various projects such as housing and investing in Social and Labour Plans. We will also be investing in a new Kell plant which uses new technology to extract the metals from the ore without the use of a smelter. This technology will reduce carbon emissions by eighty percent. Sixty five percent of our workforce is from this area and we are looking at increasing it while creating opportunities for the youth and entrepreneurs” said Clarke.

Premier Maape stated that the province is on the right trajectory towards economic recovery assisting the Province to address issues of unemployment and poverty alleviation.