Eswatini's Old Pigg's Peak Gold Mine Revived After 50 Years

The Old Pigg's Peak gold mine in Eswatini is set to resume operations after a 50-year hiatus. III R.M.M.B (Pty) Ltd, a locally registered entity, has been granted a 20-year licence to revive the mine. The company's Legal and Compliance Officer, Vilimile Gumede, presented plans to reprocess old mine dumps, rehabilitate underground workings, and eventually extract gold from the historic site at a scoping meeting held at Killarney Sports Ground in Pigg's Peak.

The meeting, attended mainly by youth, was part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process now before the Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA). Gumede outlined the company's plans and addressed concerns from residents, including questions about the company's experience and long-term commitment. The company's shareholding structure is being prepared, with 50 per cent owned by the company, 25 per cent going to Treasury, and 25 per cent held by the Ingwenyama in Trust for the nation, as per Section 133 of the Mines and Minerals Act 2011.

Residents expressed concerns about the company's experience and long-term commitment, with some questioning whether the mine would be able to operate long enough. Busta Vilakati, a resident and police officer, asked for guarantees that the mine would not abruptly stop operations, leaving the community without jobs. Vilakati cited past cases where mining companies were given licences but suddenly stopped operating, leaving emaSwati without jobs.

Gumede addressed these concerns, stating that the company has partnered with a consortium, Prometheus Mining and Exploration, which has experience in mining and mineral exploration. The consortium will run the Carbon in Leach (CIL) plant, a gold extraction process. Gumede compared the company's situation to someone who has land but has never farmed before, but can still hire someone experienced to do the job.

The Old Pigg's Peak Mine was once a thriving mining town, but it has been dormant for over 50 years. However, illegal miners, known as zama zamas, have been active on the site. The Times of Eswatini has reported on several accounts of illegal mining, but the influx of illegal miners has reportedly decreased with the arrival of the new company. Security is said to be very tight, with armed security guards controlling access to the mine.

The revival of the Old Pigg's Peak gold mine is expected to bring new economic opportunities to the community. The company's plans include reprocessing old mine dumps and rehabilitating underground workings, which could create new jobs and stimulate local economic growth. However, residents remain cautious, awaiting guarantees that the mine will operate sustainably and deliver on its promises.

The Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA) is currently reviewing the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) submitted by III R.M.M.B (Pty) Ltd. The EEA will assess the potential environmental impacts of the mine's revival and ensure that the company adheres to environmental regulations. The company's licence is valid for 20 years, and it is expected to make significant contributions to Eswatini's mining sector and economy.

Key points

• The revival of the Old Pigg's Peak gold mine is expected to create new economic opportunities and jobs for the local community.
• The company's shareholding structure is being prepared, with 50 per cent owned by the company, 25 per cent going to Treasury, and 25 per cent held by the Ingwenyama in Trust for the nation.
• Residents have expressed concerns about the company's experience and long-term commitment, but the company has partnered with a consortium with experience in mining and mineral exploration.