South Africa plans to give its mines 95 per cent of their normal power capacity.

Mines are currently operating at 90 per cent since production had to be stopped for five days in January due to power shortages.

But Mining Minister Buyelwa Sonjica has said that mines will be allowed to increase their electricity consumption to 95 per cent.

In an interview with Bloomberg Television she said: "The situation is now under control, we have stabilized. That will give five more percent to the mining industry.''

Ms Sonjica went on to say that she did not expect any job losses as a result of the power crisis that has gripped the country.

"We are not anticipating any job losses. We are speaking to the mines, we are speaking to all the sectors," she said.

Job losses have been predicted as a result of the energy crisis and Eskom has been urged to stop supplying new projects in order to ensure the existing mines can continue to operate.

The news was welcomed by Anglo American who said that "it is good news" but only if an official announcement is made.

According to Mining Weekly Online, Public Enterprises Minister Alec Erwin is ready to announce a decision either Thursday evening or Friday morning to confirm that Eskom will deliver more power to the mines.

Meanwhile, Frans Barker, Senior Executive at the Chamber of Mines refused to comment until it had been confirmed.

Source:

South Africa Will Raise Mines' Power Supply to 95 per cent, 06/03/08
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601116&sid=a01dtyD1ZWkA&refer=africa

Mines' power to be boosted to 95per cent - DME, 06/03/08
http://www.miningweekly.co.za/article.php?a_id=128603

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