Mining operations in South Africa are to be “scaled down significantly” during the 21-day lockdown period, particularly labour-intensive, deep-level mining activities, Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe reported on March 25. However, mines supplying coal to Eskom would remain in operation, albeit at reduced production rates, while smelters that cannot be switched off entirely for technical or economic reasons would also remain operational at reduced output levels.
