Indwe Cooperative Leader Explains How Coal Mine Supports Local Community

A representative of the Indwe Mining Primary Cooperative has released a video explaining how the small-scale coal mining operation works and why members believe the mine plays an important role in supporting the local community.

In the video shared with Komani News, Deputy Chairperson Buyisile Sydwell Ngqulwana walks through the mining site and describes how coal extracted from the mountain is sorted, sold to businesses, and distributed to local residents.

The video comes amid an ongoing dispute after authorities indicated that mining without the required permits and environmental authorisation is illegal under South African law.

Demonstrating the mine operation

In the video, Ngqulwana shows different parts of the mining area and explains how the site is organised.

Standing on the mountain overlooking the mine, he points out how sections of the site are separated and demarcated for different activities.

Workers can be seen sorting coal, which he says is prepared for different markets depending on quality and intended use.

“This coal that is being sorted here is for different markets,” Ngqulwana explains while showing workers separating the coal.

According to him, some of the coal is sold to businesses that rely on it for production.

He says brickmakers are among the customers who purchase coal from the operation, while some institutions that still use coal-fired boilers also rely on the supply.

Coal set aside for community use

Ngqulwana also claims that a portion of the coal mined at the site is made available to community members free of charge.

In the video, he points to a section of coal that he says has been set aside for local residents.

“This coal is for the community free of charge,” he says, adding that residents from nearby housing areas are able to collect it for household use.

He explains that many families in the surrounding area use coal for cooking and heating, particularly during the winter months when electricity costs can be difficult to afford.

According to Ngqulwana, the cooperative considers this part of its effort to support the community.

“We are selling some of the coal, but we are also ploughing back to the community,” he says.

Miners warn of wider economic impact

Ngqulwana says the mine supports not only the miners themselves but also a wider network of businesses.

He explains that brickmakers who rely on coal employ workers who could also be affected if the mining activities were shut down.

According to him, several parts of the local economy depend on the coal supply chain.

Ngqulwana claims that if the operation were forced to close, it could affect miners, businesses that buy coal, and workers employed by those businesses.

Calls for engagement with government

Ngqulwana says the cooperative is seeking engagement with government officials to discuss the situation and find a solution.

“We are not trying to challenge the regulations of government,” he says in the video.

“What we are asking for is constructive engagement so that we can find a solution.”

He adds that cooperative members and community stakeholders planned to hold a meeting to discuss the situation and how it may affect residents.

Ongoing dispute

The cooperative’s explanation comes as authorities have indicated that mining without the necessary authorisations and permits is illegal and cannot continue.

Officials have also warned that individuals or companies involved in illegal mining activities may face criminal charges.

For now, the future of the small-scale mining operation remains uncertain as discussions between the cooperative, authorities, and community members continue.