Impala's Social and Labour Plan for their Rustenburg operations, includes an essential oils farm at Mthatha in the Eastern Cape.
Impala's Social and Labour Plan for their Rustenburg operations, includes an essential oils farm at Mthatha in the Eastern Cape.
The project was initiated by Impala in collaboration with the Department of Mineral Resources in 2006, taking sustainable agri business and jobs to Mthatha to help alleviate poverty. 
A feasibility study led the project to rural Mthatha, on the shores of a dam, where tests were run and a business plan developed.
The project is located in the OR Tambo district, KSD Local Municipality, and Ncise no 1 Traditional Authority.
Job creation, skills transfer, and indirect benefits from profit sharing, are applied in community development, where no previous distinct economic network existed.
Infrastructure was developed, and 40ha will be planted in rose geranium, tea tree and lemon balm.
MEDICAL AND COSMETIC MARKETS
Routine farming stared in earnest in April, with on-site distillation and extraction of aromatic essential oil to follow. Clients include medical and cosmetic markets, where quality organic essential oils are in demand.
Oil content, quality and yield will be further calibrated and tested, to plan and assess feasibility for future expansion. Some 25 community members will be permanently employed and trained during this phase.
Soil to oil
Electricity supply of bulk three phase 220KvA for irrigation and distillation, posed a challenge and some delays.
Water supply was secured through a water use license from Department of Water Affairs and installation of a pump system, pipeline network and irrigation pivot for the 40ha farm.
Equipment includes a tractor, wagon, disc, boom sprayer, hole maker and smaller tools. Planting of the nursery area of 1ha is complete.
Ownership
The community has structured themselves into representative groups, and the institutional framework will be finalised to place complete ownership in the hands of the community.
Materials available within the OR Tambo district were sourced locally.