Mpumalanga colliery expansion to create 500 jobs

PROGRESSIVE RECRUITMENT The new contractor will undertake the progressive recruitment programme during this year, as operations are expected to expand within the same year
In line with its planned expansion into dragline mining and underground operations at the Optimum colliery in Mpumalanga, coal mining company Liberty Coal expects to create about 500 new jobs at the mine this year.
The recruitment drive follows the November 2025 appointment of mining contractor Liberty Mine Services (LMS) as the principal independent mining contractor at the colliery.
The appointment of LMS marks an important step in efforts to stabilise and rebuild operations at Optimum Colliery, says Liberty Coal CEO Hlayiseka Chauke.
He adds that Liberty Coal aims to work closely with the contractor to improve operational performance and restore the mine’s long-term sustainability.
The contractor will undertake a “progressive” recruitment programme this year, as operations are expected to expand within the same year.
To date, Liberty Coal says LMS has completed the onboarding of about 540 employees previously employed by mining-related technical and surveying services company Salaria and its associated companies, which is currently in business rescue. The transfer was undertaken in terms of Section 197 of the Labour Relations Act.
Liberty Coal expects that about 2 000 people will be engaged in work at the mine by the end of 2026.
Local business opportunities are also expected to arise as a result of several capital projects under way at the mine. These projects form part of the broader programme to refurbish Optimum Colliery’s infrastructure and facilities.
Liberty Coal also confirms that LMS is using a newly acquired fleet of heavy-duty mining machinery, equipment and vehicles. The first consignment of equipment was delivered in December 2025, while the remaining equipment is expected to be delivered by this month.
Liberty Coal’s operations will also include the deployment of a restored Marion 8200 MDO3 dragline, which was refurbished at a cost of more than R400-million. The dragline is expected to start operating this month.
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