Mining operations in South Africa are to be “scaled down significantly” during the 21-day lockdown period, particularly labour-intensive, deep-level mining activities, Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe reported on March 25.

However, mines supplying coal to Eskom would remain in operation, albeit at reduced production rates, while smelters that cannot be switched off entirely for technical or economic reasons would also remain operational at reduced output levels.

Likewise, essential services supporting the sector, including security and related infrastructure, maintenance, water pumping, refrigeration and ventilation would continue.

Exports of mineral products, meanwhile, would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the National Command Council.

“Production in the gold, chrome, manganese and other sectors will be scaled down, while the processing of surface material in the platinum-group-metals sector will continue for the production of – among others – medical products.”

Speaking following a meeting with the Minerals Council South Africa, held to consolidate Covid-19 response plans in the sector, Mantashe said that the actions were being taken to “safeguard the lives of people, while ensuring that the limited economic activity which will be undertaken during this period is supported”.

The Minister said that services being supplied by mining companies to communities, such as the supply of water, would continue.

In addition, he reported that the Minerals Council had committed to making its health facilities and staff available to support government’s Covid-19 response efforts during the lockdown.

Mantashe said there was no intention for mineworkers to be sent home during the period, as the intention of the lockdown was to minimise the movement of people to limit the spread of the virus.

Government had requested mining companies to continue to provide food and medical services to miners living in hostels. He stressed, however, that most miners now lived in communities surrounding the mines rather than in hostels.