By Sizwe Dlamini
Following the official opening of Shaft 1 at Maloma Mine by His Majesty King Mswati III in March 2024, coal production at the mine has surged by 30%.
Maloma Mine, located in the Lubombo region, is operated by Maloma Colliery Limited. The company currently employs 1,500 people and has invested over E550 million in the development of Shaft 1 and the processing plant over the past four years.
Since the opening of the shaft, the mine has hired an additional 50 employees.
This was revealed by the Human Resources Officer at Maloma Colliery, Nomvula Ginindza during an interview at the Eswatini International Trade Fair 2024.
Ginindza highlighted that the successful tour and official opening of Maloma Mine Shaft 1 by His Majesty King Mswati III not only marked an important achievement for the company but also perfectly aligned with the King’s vision of Nkwe.
“The King’s vision of transforming Eswatini into a first-world country hinges on harnessing natural resources responsibly and sustainably. Maloma Mine Shaft 1 is poised to play a pivotal role in this transformative journey for the kingdom. Through this venture, Maloma Colliery Limited aims to significantly boost the nation’s mining sector, enhancing both production capacity and exports. This, in turn, is expected to substantially contribute to the national GDP, creating a ripple effect of prosperity that aligns with the King’s vision of economic robustness and self-sufficiency,” she said.
“In line with the ethos of sustainable development, Maloma Colliery Limited is committed to implementing environmentally friendly mining practices and cutting-edge technologies. This commitment reflects the broader national agenda of achieving economic growth without compromising the well-being of future generations. Additionally, the project is already stimulating socio-economic growth in the region by providing employment opportunities and facilitating community development initiatives aimed at improving living standards, as a significant portion of the new employees are locals from the surrounding areas,” she added.
“As Maloma Colliery Limited, we are proud to embark on this new chapter with the opening of Maloma Mine Shaft 1. With the full support and blessings of His Majesty King Mswati III, the project represents more than just a mining venture; it is a stepping stone toward realizing the dream of a first-world Eswatini symbolizing hope, progress, and the unwavering spirit of a kingdom determined to secure a prosperous future,” she concluded.