Mining Weekly

Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) president Joseph Mathunjwa at a media briefing last Friday at which he called on the State to “repossess” mines that were not profitable and either award those mining licences to other companies or run the mines itself. AMCU is demanding wage increases for its gold mining members of up to 150%, a minimum entry-level wage of R11 500 for surface workers and R12 500 for underground workers, excluding accommodation, bonuses and other benefits. “We cannot afford to cut back on the slave salaries that the mineworkers continue to earn in this country,” Mathunjwa said. The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration, under national senior commissioner Afzul Soobedaar and independent mediator Peter Harris, will attempt to resolve the issues.