Located above the Komati Valley in Eswatini's Highveld, Bulembu is named after the siSwati word for a spider's web.
The mine encountered heavy losses in the late 1980s and subsequently went bankrupt in 1991.
Bulembu was purchased with the plan to rejuvenate the town as a self-sustaining entity with enterprises and care for orphans.
Bulembu Ministries Swaziland created a number of sustainable enterprises in 2008 to 2009, such as a eucalyptus and pine plantation for timber and charcoal, honey, bottled water, bakery, dairy, mill and tourism.
Approximately 70% of Bulembu's orphan care program is funded through child sponsorship.