Scores of job losses likely at local Glencore mines; smelters
This unavoidable decision was confirmed by Shivani Chetram, communications manager at Glencore South Africa.
LYDENBURG – Glencore’s Lydenburg Smelter and its other ferroalloy mines in the area have begun with section 189 labour law procedures.
This unavoidable decision was confirmed by Shivani Chetram, communications manager at Glencore South Africa.
Chetram replied to queries from the newspaper regarding the apparent start of a Section 189 process at the Glencore Smelter situated about six kilometres out of town.
https://steelburgernews.co.za/297196/covid-hits-close-to-home/
She indicated, however, that not only will this smelter be affected with curtailment, but also that its Helena, Magareng and Thorncliffe chrome mines, situated on the Eastern Limb of the Bushveld Igneous Complex as well as Glencore’s Lion Smelter at Steelpoort is set to be impacted.
The company said that Ferro-chrome prices have struggled to recover from multi-year lows in 2020 due to weak consumption, high electricity costs, poor downstream demand and excess supply, with China ramping up its production.
“Despite significant investment to make the operations more competitive, the Company has continued to come under substantial operational and financial pressures. The company views its engagement with the employee representatives and recognised Trade Unions of its Operations as an ongoing process and all alternatives will be considered. Further updates will be issued as appropriate,” Chetram said.
The Lydenburg Smelter has been fully operational for the past 43 years.
More information regarding the process will be made available as the newspaper receive additional information.
