Surface mining industry association Aspasa has advised its members to use the time between the reopening of surface mines and the delivery of products wisely, by preparing smart stockpiles, internal roadway systems and traffic separation measures to deal quickly and safely with a pickup in demand when markets reopen as lockdown regulations ease further in future.
Aspasa director Nico Pienaar says that while surface mines have been allowed to operate at 50% of capacity since relatively early in the lockdown period and 100% after May 1, markets for the products including commodities, construction products and others, will remain closed until further restrictions are lifted.