14 Jan 2025

The BCL mine liquidator, Premium Nickel Resources, is doing all in its power to resume operations at the mine, which has remained dormant since 2016.

The Member of Parliament for Selebi Phikwe West, Mr Reuben Kaizer assured residents that key stakeholders were working on the matter and all necessary update would be provided accordingly.  

Mr Kaizer was responding to a question asked during a joint kgotla meeting for Lesedi, Meriting and Thakadiawa wards after residents inquired on the possibility of the mine re-opening.

He said it was imperative to re-open the mine with the goals of resuming operations to restore the much needed job opportunities in the region and assist in the recovery of some of the businesses that failed as a result of the mine’s closure.

“Government understands that BCL mine was not just a source of employment, but cornerstone of local economic activities,” he said adding that government was also aware of the struggles faced by the community since the mine closed hence the need to act accordingly.

He said PNR had only purchased shafts two and four as they had the majority of copper belts. He urged former employees to remain hopeful and support initiatives that could lead to resumption of operations.

Residents had also asked about the measures followed on sales of mining houses by the liquidator and complained that former employees were side-lined.

“We never get to receive any concrete information about the possibility of re-opening of the mine, we rely on hear-says and this does not settle well with us. There should be transparency so that we make informed decisions,” said one resident, Mokaedi Morwadi.

Former mine employee, Mr David Lesejane said despite years of service some of the predetermined purchase prices were high.

“We dedicated our lives to the mine, price quoted are unaffordable for most of us, it feels as though decision makers are oblivious to the financial reality many of us are facing,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of Lesedi, Thakadiawa and Meriting ward development committees’ chairpersons, Ms Kamogelo Motlhaelwa, said drug use among some of the youth was a concern.

The unfortunate aspect of it, she continued, was that after using drugs, they become aggressive and endangered lives of those around them. ENDS