South African trade union Solidarity said on Wednesday that plans by mining firm Sallies to close its Witkop fluorspar mine outside Zeerust in North West could result in the retrenchment of about 300 employees.
It follows a Section 189 notice sent to Solidarity whereby Sallies blamed the indefinite closing of its mine on the current economic conditions, according to the trade union.
"The mine is expected to remain closed until enough orders have been placed to justify the reopening of the mine. The mine produces fluorspar, which is used in the manufacturing of steel, as well as hydrofluoric acid," Solidarity said.
The trade union stressed that the effort to close the mine could have severe consequences for the local community as well as for possible future mining activities at the mine.
"The so-called temporary closure of the mine will also affect future activities because skilled employees will take advantage of other opportunities. This means that if the mine reopens in the future, there will be a shortage of skilled employees to continue the operations," Solidarity spokesperson Jaco Kleynhans said.
Solidarity emphasised that all alternatives to retrenchment must be investigated during the consultations process that has begun between the employer and trade unions.
Source: The Sowetan
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