Asure Colliery revival brings jobs and renewed hope to Kriel community
Reopened coal mine plans to employ 150 people initially while creating up to 700 opportunities across its broader mining value chain
The revival of Asure Colliery has rekindled hope for the community of Kriel in Mpumalanga, with the reopened coal mine set to employ 150 people as it ramps up production.
Formerly known as Fentonia Coal Mine, the operation closed its doors in 2018 before reopening under new ownership and management as Asure Colliery.
The company says its new leadership has prioritised transformation, with 50% youth and black representation on its board, while women make up 80% of its workforce across group operations.
Chief executive Emmanuel Ngulube, who has returned to lead the company, said Asure has already created more than 120 direct jobs in mining operations, engineering, maintenance, administration, security and logistics.
As production increases, the company expects to create hundreds more employment opportunities.
“As production ramps up, we expect that number to grow significantly, with the broader value chain supporting up to 700 employment opportunities through contractors, transport, suppliers, engineering services and many other supporting industries,” Ngulube told The Citizen.
“We don’t measure success simply by the number of people we employ directly. We measure it by the number of families whose lives are improved, the businesses that grow alongside us and the opportunities we create for future generations.”
Beyond direct employment, Ngulube said the project is expected to stimulate demand for transport, engineering services, equipment suppliers, rail logistics, catering and other businesses linked to the mining value chain.
He added that young people would play a central role in meeting these demands, creating opportunities that extend beyond the mine itself and into surrounding communities.
“At Asure Resources, we’ve deliberately placed young people at the centre of our business – from youth representation on our board to employment opportunities and our planned Fourth Industrial Revolution learning laboratories.
“By investing in engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence and digital technologies, we’re preparing young South Africans for industries that will define the future,” Ngulube said.
The company believes its investment in skills development and technology, combined with expanded mining operations, will contribute to economic growth while creating sustainable employment opportunities for the Kriel community and the wider region.
