More than 2 000 people may lose their jobs when Harmony Gold shuts down several shafts over the next six months, according to Monday’s Business Report.
National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) spokesperson Lesiba Seshoka told the newspaper it was considering its legal options after receiving a section 189 notice earlier this week that about 2 000 people would be affected.
”We have taken the documents to our attorneys and it will depend on how they advise us.”
The main reasons for the shutdowns included the strong rand’s effect on costs per kilogram of gold produced and the fact that shafts are now producing low grade ore.
Harmony Gold spokesperson Marian van der Walt told the newspaper the NUM was jumping the gun.
”We are still looking at alternatives. We are not saying there will be retrenchments. We are looking at options. I know the fear is that there will be retrenchments.”
According to Van der Walt, 2 100 workers would be affected by the closing of operations for three Evander shafts as well as the President Brand shaft. Harmony Gold had only met recently with the unions to inform them. — Sapa