Save jobs at Sibanye – Gwede

Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe yesterday urged Sibanye-Stillwater to explore all possible options to ensure that as many jobs as possible are saved during the mining giant’s restructuring.

Earlier, Sibanye said it would begin consultations with stakeholders in terms of section 189A of the Labour Relations Act regarding the possible restructuring of its gold operations which might affect more than 6 000 workers.

The diversified miner said the restructuring process was as a result of ongoing financial losses experienced at Beatrix One shaft in the Free State and Driefontein shafts two, six, seven, and eight in Gauteng during the 2018 financial year.

The department said Mantashe was urging all stakeholders to engage in good faith to save jobs, adding that the department will engage with stakeholders in line with section 52 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act.

Sibanye expects to report an attributable loss of R1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2018 when it presents its operational and financial results next week.

Its management has consistently highlighted the operational and financial risks associated with the underperformance of the Driefontein and Beatrix shafts at future forum meetings.

Sibanye currently employs more than 61 000 people. – ANA