3,000 JOBS ON THE WAY 

Pilanesburg – In a press statement released by the Office of the Premier on 17 May 2022, the North West premier, Kaobitsa Bushy Maape labelled the forthcoming investment of R9.4 billion by Sedibelo Platinum Mine in its operations at Pilanesberg Platinum Mine near Moruleng in Moses Kotane Local Municipality, as a vote of confidence in the North West Province. 

The province experienced enormous economic setbacks as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic resulting in a decline of 7.6% in provincial GDP for 2020. Premier Maape said this investment is a step in the right direction in resuscitating the economy.

“The unemployment rate stands at 33% in the province. We are engaging several 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,” remarked premier Maape. 

Sedibelo Platinum Mine management indicated that over the next five years, up to 3,000 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 to the jobs, this investment will create various economic opportunities for local businesspeople.

“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 80%. About 65% of our workforce is from this area and we are looking at increasing it while creating opportunities for the youth and entrepreneurs,” said Clarke.

Office of the Premier press release extracts

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