This statement informs members of the media of an illegal underground sit-in situation at Bakubung Platinum Mine, commencing on the morning of Wednesday, 06 December 2023.
On Wednesday morning, Management became aware of an illegal underground sit-in at our 77 Level Shaft. This led to the failure of the next shift to assume their responsibilities. On the same day and afternoon, Management acted swiftly to diffuse and correct the situation. This has been done by having a meeting with the representatives of the aggrieved and participating employees of the underground sit-in.
Several issues have been outlined as the grievances and causes of the underground sit-in. These include changes to the minimum requested remuneration for employees, changes to employees’ benefits, subsidies and working conditions.
Management’s intervention plan includes continuous discussion and negotiations with those involved to end the underground sit-in as soon as possible. As a short-term intervention, Management has cancelled the morning and afternoon shifts on Thursday, 7 December 2023. This is to ensure the safety of the rest of our staff and eliminate possibilities of community unrest, which may arise and pose a danger to staff and mine assets.
Management aims to correct this issue as soon as possible and will provide further updates when they become available.
Yours in Health and Safety.
Bakubung Platinum Mine