BY NOXOLO DLAMINI
PIGG’S PEAK – For dozens of families around Hhelehhele and surrounding communities in Northern Hhohho, the presence of Lomati Mine is providing more than mining activity — it is putting food on tables through local employment.
The mine currently employs about 140 people, with approximately 50% of its workforce recruited from communities surrounding its operations.
This means about 70 of the mine’s employees are locals, giving residents an opportunity to earn a living closer to their homes while participating directly in economic activity taking place within their area.
Lomati Mine Manager Maqhawe Nxumalo said employing people from neighbouring communities formed part of the mine’s contribution to the area.
“We have about 140 workers at the mine, and 50% of them are locals,” said Nxumalo.
For communities around Hhelehhele, the employment opportunities provide an important link between mining operations and the people living closest to them.
Beyond employment, Lomati Mine has also extended its community involvement into healthcare.
The company recently donated an ultrasound machine to Piggs Peak Government Hospital, a move expected to strengthen diagnostic services available to patients in the northern part of the country.
Nxumalo explained that Ntfonjeni Clinic serves as the primary healthcare facility for mine employees. However, following discussions with the Ministry of Health, it was established that the ultrasound machine would not be fully utilised at the clinic.
The mine therefore decided to hand the equipment over to Piggs Peak Government Hospital, where it could benefit a much larger number of patients.
The machine is expected to help improve diagnostic services at the hospital and reduce the need for some patients to travel to Mbabane or seek ultrasound services from private healthcare providers.
The development means Lomati Mine’s footprint in Northern Hhohho is being felt not only through employment, but also through support for essential public services.
For local communities, particularly those around Hhelehhele, having about half of the mine’s workforce drawn from the surrounding area represents a direct opportunity for residents to benefit from economic activity taking place on their doorstep.
At the same time, the donation to Piggs Peak Government Hospital widens that impact beyond mine employees, potentially benefiting patients from communities across the northern Hhohho Region.
