Mantashe visits Thungela coal-bed methane project in Limpopo

LEPHALALE, September 25 – Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe will on Friday visit Thungela Resources coal-bed methane project in Lephalale, Limpopo, to assess progress on site development and infrastructure.
Mantashe will review work on the refurbishment of five historic wells, new well development, infrastructure construction and the water plant area, the ministry said on Thursday.
The project is seen as part of the governments wider push to expand the economy through diversification of the mining industry.

The ministry say the initiative could stimulate employment and regional growth while positioning Lephalale as a hub in the coal-bed methane market.
“South Africa has long relied on coal for power generation, but methane projects are being explored as part of efforts to boost productivity and strengthen energy security,” added the ministry.