The Congress of South African Trade Unions in the Free State has noted with dismay that the blasting operations performed on the 24th of June 2022 at Bambanani Gold Mine under the Harmony Mining house, were to be the last production operations at the facility. The blasting represented an end to extracting activities and operations as the shaft will be shut down as of today, the 27th of June 2022.

After protracted discussions between COSATU affiliate National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and Bambanani management in attempts to avoid the closure of the shaft, all parties conceded that the shaft had reached the end of its lifespan. Drawing from extensive research, experts also confirmed that there weren’t any more gold deposits left worth mining and that continued operations would not make business sense.

The Federation appreciates the efforts of NUM and Harmony to ensure that there is alternative placement of workers at other workplaces. We will be monitoring the project to ensure that the interests of our members are safeguarded.

NUM will work closely with the mining company to ensure that applicable legislation is applied in decommissioning the mining shaft as this is key in the process of a mine closure.

As the Federation, we wish workers well in their future endeavors and also confirm our full and unwavering confidence in the NUM to finalize this matter.

We will continue to engage the government and business to improve the lives of our people and the working class in general. We will also ensure that the company complies with the legislation in terms of the processes to be engaged upon with the termination of operations!

The struggle continues!

Issued by COSATU Free State

Enquiries Provincial Secretary Monyatso oa Mahlatsi @ 051 447 5499 or 076 115 9923