The Minerals Council (MC) yesterday described the SA mining industry as having reached “a crisis state”.
Reacting to massive impending job cuts at Impala Platinum Mines and Gold Fields’ South Deep operation, MC spokesperson Charmane Russell said it was “clear that the South African mining industry has fared far worse than its international competitors”.
Gold Fields has announced its intention to cut 1 560 permanent and contractor jobs at its South Deep operation. Recently, Impala Platinum Mines (Implats) said it would cut 13 000 jobs over two years.
Russell said the country had forfeited its mining potential over the past two decades.
“SA needs a stable, predictable and competitive mineral policy and regulatory environment.
“Another factor eroding the competitiveness was the upward relentless march of costs.
“Over the past seven years electricity prices have trebled with higher steel prices also impacting.”
INFO
Behind the mining challenges, MC said some of the key areas included:
– brians@citizen.co.za
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