Richards Bay Minerals’ (RBM) mine office in KwaSokhulu was reportedly set alight last night.

It is alleged that angry community members targeted the office in response to the multinational sand-mining company’s restructuring process, reports the Zululand Observer.

RBM, which is owned by global mining giant Rio Tinto, recently cancelled several service provider contracts and issued Section 189A notices to all employees, after signalling possible retrenchments and raising concerns within its host communities about a potential takeover by a Chinese company.

Khulekani Mkhwanazi, the National Union of Mineworkers RBM branch secretary, confirms the incident, saying that it is suspected to have started yesterday.

“I am aware of the incident. No employees were injured, but we are still awaiting a full briefing,” says Mkhwanazi.

He adds that an urgent meeting will be convened this afternoon to address the volatile situation at RBM.

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