Lily Mine families oppose Vantage Goldfields’ move to reopen mine Former workers and family members claimed the CEO of Vantage Goldfields, Mike McChesney, wanted the mine to operate from next year and promised to compensate former employees. FILE: Lily Mine. Picture: EWN 95 days ago JOHANNESBURG - The families of three workers who were trapped underground at Lily Mine in Mpumalanga on Monday said that they were opposed to the planned reopening of the mine. Former workers and family members claimed that the CEO of Vantage Goldfields, Mike McChesney, wanted the mine to operate from next year and promised to compensate former employees.