JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – JSE-listed Trans Hex will change the production shift system at its Baken and Bloeddrif mines – collectively called the Lower Orange River (LOR) operations – as from February 29.
The operations would change from a four-shift system, operating seven days a week, to a three-shift system operating five-and-a-half days a week.
This formed part of Trans Hex’s strategy to responsibly manage the ageing LOR assets in the final years of their economic lives by optimising mining and treatment volumes, as well as cutting costs and improving efficiencies.
“The aim is to extend the viable life-of-mine of each operation for as long as possible, while constantly managing the risks inherent to mature alluvial mines,” the miner said on Monday.
Trans Hex added that the National Union of Mineworkers had agreed to the change in the shift system, while 125 employees – representing about 22% of the workforce – had accepted voluntary retrenchment packages.
The restructuring programme is expected to cost the company about R47-million, including severance payments.