This, amidst growing safety concerns in the mining sector. The Department yesterday came under scrutiny following reports that AngloGold has temporarily shut the world’s deepest gold mine after 164 employees tested positive for the coronavirus.

This is coupled with concerns raised by unions across the country. The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in the Northern Cape has meanwhile expressed dissatisfaction with the Ekapa Kimberley Mine stating that the mine has not only implemented salary cuts to employees, but fails to take their safety into consideration. The union's Kimberley Regional Secretary, Cornelius Manhe, told OFM News the mine has cut employees salaries by 25%, leaving them with not much to take home. He said they view this as "heartless and inhuman" as their members could barely afford transport allowances. He said all employees' safety at the mine should be prioritised at all costs and that the mine must pay their full salaries and benefits.

The Kimberley Ekapa Mine in the Northern Cape has meanwhile confirmed that they have proposed a salary cut for all its employees to avoid laying off staff amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

OFM News previously reported that the mine, which last year faced possible closure, said it has been involved in talks with its employees, trade unions and other stakeholders in efforts to find solutions to saving jobs and lives after it did not receive any income during the hard lockdown period.

OFM News