NUM is worried about a bloodbath of job losses in the mining industry

NUM Press Statement, 16 July 2015

NUM is worried about a bloodbath of job losses in the mining industry

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is again extremely shocked and saddened that Kumba Iron Ore intends to close down its Thabazimbi operation. The decision to close down the mine will affect more than 870 employees.

Kumba Iron Ore last week served the NUM with section 189 to retrench workers at their operations at Kolomela and Sishen in the Northern Cape. Today Kumba Iron served the NUM with section 189 to close down the Thabazimbi operation.

"This is a bloodbath of job losses. It is a tragedy for the mineworkers and the community of Thabazimbi and its surroundings. More than 870 employees will be affected and this translate to 8 700 families that will be without bread at the end of the day if this mine will be closed," said Lucas Phiri, NUM Chief Negotiator at Kumba Iron Ore.

The company is not supposed to issue Section 189 of the Labour Relations Act of 1995 before they comply with Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development (MPRDA)Act of 2002 section 52 which states that if the company anticipate to retrench more than 10% of its employees it has to inform the Minister of Minerals Resources. The NUM requests Minister of Mineral Resources Ngoako Ramatlhodi to intervene immediately to stop this drastic action by the company that will leave hundreds of mineworkers in a dire situation. The high number of retrenchments will contribute to high unemployment rate in South Africa

The union further demands moratorium to be placed in all mines not to retrench anymore. The NUM is saying enough is enough.

For more information, please contact:

Lucas Phiri: NUM Chief Negotiator at Kumba Iron ore: 082 883 7290
Livhuwani Mammburu: Acting NUM National Spokesperson, 083 809 3257

The National Union of Mineworkers
7 Rissik Street.
Cnr Frederick Johannesburg
Tel: 011 377 2111 Cell: 083 809 3257
Twitter: @Num_Media

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