Mines in the Limpopo Province will have more money to invest in platinum exploration after a deal was agreed to guarantee the supply of water to mines in the region.

The South African Government and 23 mining firms signed the deal for the second phase of the Olifants River Water Resources Development Project (ORWRDP) that is costing R7.4 billion.

It will ensure that water supply is guaranteed in the mines freeing them to invest about R40 billion into operations to create nearly 100,000 new jobs.

The deal has been signed with the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (Dwaf) and Lindiwe Henricks, Water Affairs and Forestry Minister, believes it will help economic growth.

"Through the investment and development of the water resources in the Limpopo region, we are unlocking significant potential in the mining industry that will create sustainable jobs and contribute to economic growth," he explained.

Mining firms will commit to sign off-take agreements with Dwaf for any water requirements in the future and the water will be taken from the Flag Boshielo Dam.



Source:

State, Limpopo miners sign water-scheme agreement, 26/05/08
http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article.php?a_id=134173

Water project to boost Limpopo mining, 27/05/08
http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/topstories.aspx?ID=BD4A773707