Sowetan reports that Anglo Americans Kumba Iron Ore last week officially closed down its 80yearold Thabazimbi mine in Limpopo. Mining activities had ceased on 13 September and the procedures that have been under way since then, such as exit medicals and what individuals were going
Thabazimbi is an iron mining town in the Limpopo province of South Africa. The town is situated at the feet of the Ysterberg and is surrounded by the Witfonteinrand and Boshofberg with the majestic Kransberg in the background. The name Thabazimbi means mountain of iron because of the large iron ore reef
Kumba Iron Ore owns 74% in Sishen Iron Ore Company (SIOC). Rest of SIOC is owned by Exxaro, SIOC Employee Share Participation Scheme and the SIOC Community Development Trust. Through the SIOC, Kumba Iron Ore owns Thabazimbi, Sishen and Kolomela iron ore mines.
In 2010, Kumba Iron Ore was one of the more successful divisions of Anglo American plc, continuing to pay dividends to shareholders while Anglo American and Anglo Platinum had suspended dividends in 2
Until 2014 Thabazimbi was a captive mine owned and run by SIOC, but supplying ore exclusively to and funded by AMSA. As a result AMSA is accountable for 96% of the Mines current rehabilitation liability, with SIOC responsible for the sites management and the remaining liability.
Our Kolomela lump iron ore is in demand because of its excellent physical strength and high iron content. Kolomela has a life of mine of 14 years. Kumba is leveraging on our endowment in the Northern Cape, to extend the life of Sishen and Kolomela to 20 years and more.
Nov 05, 20130183;32;Norman Mbazima, chief executive of Kumba Iron Ore, said that the move could mean a new lease on life for Thabazimbi. The company planned to execute various beneficiation processes at Thabazimbi that could extend the lifespan of the mine. quot;Thabazimbi had a very short life left and costs were escalating significantly.