According to a report on StockMarketWire.com, Coal of Africa has reported steady operational progress in the three months to the end of September.
It said that environmental authorisation for the Vele coking coal colliery enabled the company to recommence limited construction and mining activities from 4 August and the suspension of the Vele Colliery integrated water use licence was lifted by the South African minister of water and environmental affairs and full operations began on 19 October.
The company also said a memorandum of agreement was signed with the South African department of environmental affairs and South African National Parks and seeks to ensure the conservation and integrity of the globally significant natural and cultural heritage site and to maintain and strengthen co-operation between the parties.
CEO John Wallington said: "Steady progress has been made by Coal of Africa, not least of which was the lifting of the suspension on the IWUL at Vele allowing the resumption of operations to bring the mine into production.
"The signing of the MoA with the DEA and SANParks signified a further strengthening of our working relationship with government and our commitment to all our stakeholders.
"Importantly, teams are back on site and the process of re-employing people has commenced.
"During the initial phase of mining operations, the mine is planned to ramp up to 2.7Mtpa ROM coal and 1.0Mtpa saleable coal and create up to 500 jobs."
