According to media outlet Chronicle, SMM wants to complete dewatering at the site before the end of this year.

Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs Owen Ncube told the outlet after his recent mine tour that his visit was an eye-opener and that he was impressed with the developments.

“They have started the process…but [progress] has been slow, hence they have ordered new equipment,” he said. “They are now awaiting the release of funds from the Central Bank [for the acquisition].”

SMM has already retained consultant Tailjet Consultancy Services to help expedite the restart, which was first announced last September. The paper also noted that recruiting has started with the goal of hiring 800 by the end of 2018.