JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) on Friday voiced concern over dual-listed Gold Fields' intention to review 500 jobs at its South Deep gold mine as part of a right-sizing initiative.

The company, which was currently engaging trade unions ahead of the restructure, said the Johannesburg-based mine had “more equipment and people” than it needed and planned to shed portions of both.

“Both of these are prerequisites for an improved safety culture and improved productivity, which are deemed critical to derisk the mine’s build-up to full production and ensure that South Deep achieves its full potential,” CEO Nick Holland said in a conference call on Thursday.

In an effort to defray expenses, Gold Fields would bring to surface some of the underground fleet and “park” it, but Holland noted that the “more challenging engagement” was how the company would deal with the “people issues”.

“It is at a sensitive stage. We are in a dialogue with the unions. So I can’t tell you when it will be or what the outcome will be,” he explained.

However, NUM on Friday slammed the move, with general secretary Frans Baleni stressing: “We reject any job losses. We are told that more than 500 workers might be affected.”

His comments emerged a day after operations at the mine were halted to start four-month remedial work following two recent fatal accidents.

A comprehensive review of the safety protocols, procedures and standards of the mine identified that about 1 000 m of legacy ground support in some of the ramps serving production areas in the older part of the mine presented a safety risk.

“Recently two people had been killed and now they are destroying those who are still alive through retrenchment, which in the long run will affect their livelihood and lives,” Baleni said.

“In addressing these issues we will not only ensure the safety of our people, but also the long-term integrity and sustainability of the mine,” Holland concluded.