Liberty Coal
1Min
South Africa
Nov 14, 2025
In a bold move for the country's mining sector, Liberty Coal has announced Liberty Mine Services (LMS), a member of the Liberty Group as it's new principal contractor.
Liberty Coal has announced that it is implementing its long-standing plans of appointing Liberty Mine Services (LMS), a member of the Liberty group of companies, as its principal mining contractor under its own independent management.
This move has been announced as the next step to further develop and execute the planned mining operations at Optimum Collier, and its long-term strategy to restore and revitalise the Optimum Colliery.
According to Gia Nicolaides, Chief Strategist for the mining company, the appointment of Liberty Mine Services marks a significant milestone in the progressive restoration and rebuilding of the Optimum Colliery.
This comes as Liberty Coal has already invested in several major capital projects, including the rebuilding of draglines, and will now introduce a new fleet of mining equipment as operations ramp up under LMS management.
"The latest move follows historic concerns with performance and delivery of contractually agreed volumes with independent contractors Salaria (Pty) Ltd and the Veralogix group of companies," Nicolaides ventures.
Hlayiseka Chauke, Liberty's Acting CEO further reveals that, in line with Liberty’s operational plans and long-standing turnaround strategy for the mine, the company is now transitioning mining operations to LMS - a specialised subsidiary within the Liberty group - which will serve as the principal mining contractor going forward.
“This is an exciting new chapter for Optimum. Our goal is to establish a stable, sustainable and well-managed mining operation that delivers long-term value for all stakeholders,” said Chauke.
Furthermore, Chauke has indicated that the latest move is part of the transition from Salaria and Veralogix, wirh LMS having already completed engagements with unions, employee representatives and stakeholder forums to ensure a smooth, transparent and fair process.
As a result, LMS has already signed a Section 197 agreement to take on circa 530 of qualifying employees currently working at the Optimum Colliery, with the first tranche of employees already on-boarded and the balance of the employees to be transferred to it this month.
"With the introduction of Liberty Mine Services and increased investment in equipment, systems and workforce stability, Liberty Coal is setting Optimum Colliery on a path toward reliable, responsible and profitable production," Chauke stated.
