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National Union Of Mineworkers

The National Union of Mineworkers is a South African trade union representing workers in the mining, energy and construction sectors. Established in 1982, it emerged as one of the most powerful unions during the anti-apartheid struggle and played a significant role in the labour movement that contributed to the end of apartheid. The union is affiliated to the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu), the country's largest trade union federation. Its membership is drawn primarily from mineworkers employed in gold, platinum, coal, diamond and other mining operations across South Africa, as well as workers in related industries. The National Union of Mineworkers has historically been instrumental in negotiating wages, working conditions and safety standards in the mining industry, one of South Africa's most economically significant sectors. The union has led numerous strikes and industrial actions over the decades to secure better pay and conditions for its members. Its influence in the mining sector has been challenged in recent years by rival unions, notably the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union, which has gained membership particularly in the platinum belt. The National Union of Mineworkers remains a key voice in labour relations within South Africa's mining industry and continues to engage with employers, government and regulatory bodies on issues affecting mineworkers. The union's leadership structure includes elected officials at national, regional and branch levels, with its head office based in Johannesburg.

National Union Of Mineworkers News


Surface operations at the Venetia mine
NUM expresses strong disapproval of jobs cuts by De Beers in South Africa
14th July 2026 By: Lumkile Nkomfe

Labour union the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has strongly decried the plans announced by multinational diamond company De Beers and De Beers Sightholder Sales South Africa (DBSSSA) to pause... 


An image of the Cullinan diamond mine
NUM warns of 1 700 job loss risk as Petra’s mines enter business rescue
15th June 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

Trade union the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has condemned the decision by London-listed Petra Diamonds to place the Finch diamond mine in Kimberley under business rescue and to issue a... 


Samancor's TCS smelter
NUM vows to fight job cuts at Samancor smelter after energy deal
11th March 2026 By: Reuters

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) on Wednesday vowed to fight planned job cuts at ferrochrome smelter Samancor, which could affect 2 400 employees even after a more than 50% electricity price... 


A coal stockpile
Tribunal conditionally approves Dorstfontein mining merger, with conditions
5th March 2026 By: Creamer Media Reporter

The Competition Tribunal has conditionally approved the large merger in terms of which Dorstfontein Coal Mines (DCM) will acquire sole control of the businesses of Bochabela Mining and SBS Mining... 


NUM calls for urgent talks with Necom on Eskom unbundling following SoNA directive
NUM calls for urgent talks with Necom on Eskom unbundling following SoNA directive
18th February 2026 By: Terence Creamer

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has called for urgent and structured consultations between organised labour and the National Energy Crisis Committee (Necom) task team that is deliberating... 


Search and rescue efforts under way following mud rush at Northern Cape mine
Search and rescue efforts under way following mud rush at Northern Cape mine
18th February 2026 By: Sabrina Jardim

Efforts are under way to search for, and rescue, five mineworkers believed to be trapped underground following a February 17 mud rush at the Ekapa diamond mine, near Kimberley, in the Northern... 


An image of the Ergo Mining operations
DRDGOLD concludes wage negotiations at Ergo operations
2nd February 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

Wage negotiations at Johannesburg- and New York-listed DRDGOLD’s Ergo Mining operations have been finalised, following the conclusion of a single wage agreement with organised labour, the company... 


An image of the Ergo oeprations
Strike action cancelled at DRDGOLD’s Ergo operations
18th December 2025 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

Tailings retreatment company DRDGOLD said on Thursday that the planned strike action at its Ergo operations had been suspended, following a withdrawal of a previously issued 48 hours’ strike notice... 


Eskom CEO Dan Marokane
Eskom promises not to impose burdens on other customers as it inks MoU to support embattled ferrochrome smelters
8th December 2025 By: Terence Creamer

Eskom has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Samancor Chrome and the Glencore–Merafe Chrome Venture in a bid to finalise an electricity tariff solution that prevents the closure of... 


Sibanye-Stillwater's Driefontein mine
Sibanye-Stillwater inks three-year wage agreement with local gold mine unions
2nd December 2025 By: Marleny Arnoldi

JSE- and NYSE-listed precious metals miner Sibanye-Stillwater has confirmed that it has concluded wage negotiations for its South African gold mining operations. The company signed a three-year... 


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