18 Feb 2019

Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Mr Eric Molale says the prospects of BCL reopening are not yet known. Mr Molale said the liquidator has informed government that there was a good opportunity for the mine to reopen at some stage.

 The prospect of reopening the mine, he said, was dependent on assessments that need to be made as well as engagements with interested parties.

“The two parties are already interested in the acquisition of BCL and they are yet to make an offer to the liquidator.” Mr Molale said his ministry was engaging the liquidator to explore options which would ensure that the mines remained on a level of care and maintenance necessary to preserve the assets, being the mineral resources, mine equipment and infrastructure.

“Government is committed to preserving the infrastructure until a complete assessment has been undertaken and a decision made on the future of the mine,” he said.

He said the liquidator had since the last sitting of Parliament scaled down the care and maintenance of BCL and Tati mines by stopping pumping out of water at the south east extension and suspending repair work as well as cleaning on the surface infrastructure and all its associated equipment that had been flooded. Selibe-Phikwe West MP, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse had asked the minister to state care and maintenance of BCL assets as well as the prospects of the mine re-opening. ENDS