JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Workers affiliated with the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) have embarked on a strike at the Kroondal mine in Rustenburg, reportedly in protest over the appointment of a bus contractor.
The Kroondal mine is owned by Sibanye Gold, which acquired the asset through its buyout of Aquarius Platinum earlier this year. The mine was part of Sibanye’s Platinum division.
Speaking to Mining Weekly Online, Sibanye Gold spokesperson James Wellsted said the company was in the process of engaging with transport providers.
“We have our own procedures and policies that need to be adhered to regarding transportation, which requires executive committee participation. It looks like the unions want to circumvent that procedure,” he added.
He stated that Sibanye did not know how many members were currently participating in the strike, or how many were unable to go to work owing to intimidation tactics.
“The morning shift has been disrupted and, for safety reasons, we have suspended operations,” he said.
Fellow union Solidarity has called on AMCU to ensure a peaceful strike, with general secretary Gideon du Plessis saying the striking workers had stoned vehicles and assaulted a Solidarity member.