Glencore to add to jobs bloodbath

South Africa’s National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) said on Thursday that it is “extremely worried” about Glencore’s planned closure of the Eland Mine near Brits in the North West and called for further engagement to seek alternatives.

Glencore announced plans to close the mine citing poor market conditions and operational difficulties. The closure is expected affect 900 jobs but Glencore said the actual number will be determined after negotiations.

NUM has now said it “does not agree” with the decision.

“The NUM does take into consideration that mining companies are under pressure, but we believe that the majority of the mining companies must serve the interests of the country,” the union said in a statement.

NUM deputy general secretary William Mabapa reiterated President Jacob Zuma’s recent call for mining companies to “hold off” on retrenchments while seeking alternatives.

“The NUM also supports the process by the Department of Mineral Resources Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi to stop retrenchments in the mining industry,” the union said, expressing “disappointment” that companies are proceeding while the minister seeks alternatives.

“The NUM is extremely worried about this bloodbath of job losses in the mining industry and we will continue to engage the mining companies in finding a solution.” the union said, using its now familiar description of the situation in the mining industry.

ANA

• Glencore profit cut in half

• Glencore to shut Elands