Amid the ongoing lockdown in South Africa that has been extended till 30th April, the domestic coal miner, Buffalo Coal has been granted permission by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) to recommence mining activities at 30% of operating capacity.
Buffalo Coal intends to recommence mining activities on a limited scale on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, following the Easter long-weekend. In its notification, the company has mentioned that it will continue to effectively manage its operations and proactively respond to COVID-19 within the framework of the Company’s policies, and local and national health authority requirements and recommendations in order to minimise the risk of infection to our employees.
Buffalo Coal holds a majority interest in two operating mines through its 100% interest in Buffalo Coal Dundee, a South African company which has a 70% interest in Zinoju. Zinoju holds a 100% interest in the Magdalena bituminous mine and the Aviemore anthracite mine in South Africa.
After the lockdown has been announced in South Africa from 26 March, only the miners supplying coal to Eskom – state power utility firm have been allowed to continue with their operations, power system operations and its raw material suppliers being identified under essential services. Now Buffalo Coal has become the first company to resume its operations, despite being non-supplier of coal to power utility firm Eskom.
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