Eastern Goldfields Ltd, the Nelspruit-based gold mining company which has been operating in the Barberton Goldfield near Lows Creek for many years, celebrated last week with its personnel the recently successful Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) listing of its parent company, Vantage Goldfields Ltd.

The function, which was held at Lily Mine in the Lows Creek valley, was attended by Eastern Goldfields’ management and members of the company’s BEE partner, which includes the Lomshiyo tribal authority and the company’s staff.

In a separate ceremony certificates were presented to 79 employees who successfully completed basic training in mine operational disciplines.

Invited guests included Chief Tikhontele Dlamini and other representatives of the Lomshiyo community, the headmaster of Louieville Combined School and members of the mine union (AMCU). The Lomshiyo community is the main beneficiary of Eastern Goldfields’ commitments in terms of its social and labour plan.

In his address to the gathering Mike McChesney, CEO of Vantage Goldfields and its group subsidiaries, thanked the company’s employees, its suppliers and the community for their support and understanding during the tough economic times since the global financial crisis of 2008. He explained how this had impacted upon the transition from open pit to underground operations at the Lily Mine.

McChesney explained how the capital raised in the ASX listing will be used to complete the building of the mine and processing plant. It would enable the group to explore its other project areas, initially focusing on the presently dormant Barbrook and Worcester mines. He also pledged Eastern Goldfields’ continuing commitment to socio-economic upliftment within the region.

In response, Chief Dlamini thanked McChesney and his staff for the long relationship between the Lomshiyo community and the company, and for Eastern Goldfields’ tangible commitment to his people. He furthermore expressed his wish for the company to continue creating wealth for all its stakeholders.

Mike McChesney CEO Vantage Goldfields and Chief Tikhontele Dlamini of the Lomshiyo Community (BEE partners)