Lily Mine management remains hopeful
Despite the challenges faced by Lily and Barbrook mines during the past months, its owner, Vantage Goldfields, remains confident in its belief that the year will end on a positive note.
Since February 5 the Vantage Group experienced major setbacks after disaster struck.
Three workers, Mr Solomon Nyarenda, Ms Pretty Mabuza and Ms Yvonne Mnisi, lost their lives when the lamp room they were working in at the time, together with other buildings, disappeared down a gigantic sinkhole.
It is now nine months since that fateful day, and while not successful yet, the Business Rescue of Lily Mine continues. According to Vantage Goldfields CEO, Mr Mike McChesney, management remains hopeful of a good outcome.
Vantage Goldfields CEO, Mr Mike McChesney. Photo: Anchen Coetzee
At the time of the accident, the Group’s other mine, Barbrook, was only in project stage. Barbrook is a much smaller operation but has had since absorbed many of Lily’s operational overheads. This unpredicted obligation has noticeably placed a huge financial burden on the Barbrook operation.
In spite of difficult financial and political conditions, plans are underway to improve production at Barbrook, but according to management, this will only be possible with the co-operation of all parties.
Management said it is acutely aware of the plight of all employees, as well as the local community, and continues to follow every opportunity to alleviate the current situation.
On Friday McChesney said: “This situation at Barbrook Mine remains tense, however if all stakeholders work together in an open and transparent manner to support the mine and its endeavours to return to normal operations, both at Lily and Barbrook, the outcome is likely to become beneficial to all that have had to sacrifice so much to date.”
