Mantashe: Mining To Return To Full Capacity Despite 384 Reported Covid-19 Positive Cases

ENERGY and Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe says mining companies are set to work their way up to full production when the country enters level 3 of the lockdown on June 1.

Addressing a media briefing by the economic cluster of ministers in Pretoria on Friday, Mantashe said all deep mining operations are expected to ramp up to full capacity as from Monday.

“This brings the mining industry to full capacity of production. All mining operations must prioritise the health and safety of mineworkers and other persons who may be directly affected by the operations at mines. Compliance with conditions to the starting and increasing of capacity as enshrined in the lockdown regulations is compulsory,” said Mantashe.    

“Prior to ramping up, all mining operations are required to prepare and implement a mandatory Code of Practice for the mitigation and management of Covid-19. Failure to do so will be regarded as a criminal offence and