The Swaziland Investment Promotion Authority said that the country boasts of 485 million tonnes of anthracite coal, so there is still room for more mines for this type of mineral.

Mr Muzikayise Dube director of foreign investment at SIPA said that the country had 155 million tonnes of high grade and 330 million low grade anthracite coal. He urged the delegation that accompanied Equatorial Guinea President Mr Obiang Nguema Mbasogo during his visit to the country this week to consider investing in coal mining in Swaziland. Mr Dube made a presentation at the last stop of the president's tour at the Matsapha Town Board chambers.

He said that "There are also mining investment opportunities in gold, diamonds, kaolin, clays, talc, silica, granite and other minerals. Your Excellency investors in your country can also tap into one of these minerals and invest. This can benefit Swaziland and also strengthens the relations that already exist between the two countries."

Meanwhile, CEO Mr Phiwayinkhosi Ginindza said that two coal mines were expected to resume operations soon. He added that "This year a couple of mines will open, especially those dealing with coal. We will have one at Lubhuku and another at Mpaka."

During the official opening of Salgaocar Swaziland, His Majesty King Mswati III said that the country would witness more mines being launched in the country. He added that "The re opening of Ngwenya Mine is just the beginning of a vibrant mining sector in Swaziland. I am confident that we will soon be witnessing the opening of other mines."

Mr Gideon Mahlalela CEO of Swaziland Railway also shared the same sentiments. He said opening more mines in the country would help resuscitate the ailing economy sooner.

Mr Mahlalela further stated that Salgaocar should be given the permit to dig more iron ore available at the Ngwenya Mine. He said there was more iron ore that needed to be dug in the northern part of the Hhohho region, including Pigg’s Peak.

Salgaocar currently operates the Ngwenya Mine with only a five to seven year permit.

Mr Ginindza said that many investors were showing interest in mining and were referred to the Minerals Management Board. He added that "We hope we will see tangible results shortly."

(Sourced from www.observer.org.sz)