Other operational improvements at Sishen include:
- The Sishen Western Expansion Project (SWEP), an ongoing project to redesign and expand the mine.
- Two new waste dumps constructed to reduce the distance trucks are required to travel to move waste.
- A five-year fleet and associated infrastructure plan, which includes an on-site maintenance facility to safely and efficiently service the mine’s haul trucks. This, along with increasing the fleet of trucks, is set to increase capacity for moving ore as the mine ramps up.
What about the local community?
To facilitate the expansion of Sishen mine to the west, the first phase of the Dingleton relocation project saw 71 homes in Dingleton North relocated to the nearby town of Kathu.
Residents have been supported with training and educational initiatives, as well as small enterprise development programmes. They also have easier access to potential sources of employment, as well as Sishen and other surrounding mines.
Phase 2, the relocation of the 428 remaining houses, buildings and businesses, has commenced and is progressing well.
Currently, some 3,400 people remain in the town. To accommodate them, more than 500 high-quality new homes are being built in Kathu. Also included in the relocation are several businesses, education and medical facilities, churches and municipal infrastructure.
The resettlement follows an extensive consultation process with the community and other stakeholders which started in March 2012. The consultation was conducted in accordance with Anglo American’s Social Way and the International Finance Corporation’s Performance Standards.
Kumba Iron Ore has committed to paying all capital gains tax associated with those properties, as well as increases in rates, taxes and water tariffs, for the next 20 years. The resettlement plan also includes various training, education and enterprise development programmes.
What does the future hold for Sishen?
Following the success of the Operating Model pilot at Sishen North, further operation roll outs have taken place across many of our sites, including Sishen pre-strip and the Kolomela plant. All other areas will follow.
You can find out more about our iron ore operations on the Kumba Iron Ore website.
