Mines warned to comply with regulations
Government warns that it will shut down any mines that do not comply with the Level 4 regulations.
Government has warned that it will shut down any mining operations that do not comply with the level 4 regulations.
Speaking at Sibanye-Stillwater‘s Bathopele Platinum Mine in Rustenburg on 6 May, Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe said the lives and livelihoods of employees in the mining sector remain a priority.
VISIT TO SIBANYE STILLWATER BATHOPELE MINE
We are at #SibanyeStillwater's Bathopele Platinum Mine in Rustenburg to monitor compliance with the Level 4 of #LockdownSA regulations. pic.twitter.com/ZEaheUGpO0
— Gwede Mantashe (@GwedeMantashe1) May 6, 2020
“When we agreed that mines should operate at reduced capacity, we highlighted the importance of protecting and saving the economic infrastructure beyond the lockdown period,” said the minister.
The visit to Rustenburg follows a number of unannounced visits to mining operations to monitor compliance with lockdown regulations.
“We are not going to put people at risk for production,” said Mantashe.
Mantashe has called for the implementation of rigorous screening and testing programmes as employees return to work.
He emphasised that mineworkers must continue to be tested for Covid-19, warning that a failure to do so will put the lives of miners at risk.
Mineworkers must be tested for #Covid19. If we don't, we would be risking their lives. Our visit to Rustenburg follows a number of unannounced visits to mining operations to monitor compliance with #LockdownSA regulations. Companies are urged to share their facilities & resources pic.twitter.com/NXx2gCwDyc
— Gwede Mantashe (@GwedeMantashe1) May 6, 2020
“The economy will never be the same again. Mining in South Africa will never be the same again. The current lockdown regulations will be applicable far beyond the lockdown period,” Mantashe concluded.
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