Glencore-Merafe venture to start retrenchments within weeks, idle two of its three ferrochrome smelters
The Glencore-Merafe Chrome Venture has confirmed that it plans to place its Wonderkop and Boshoek smelters, in South Africa's North West province, on care and maintenance and to start retrenching employees at these operations within weeks.
The venture has, since September 1, been reviewing its operating procedures and meeting with government departments, unions and employees to try to avoid the closure of its ferrochrome smelters and the retrenchment of employees.
However, despite engagement with government, it has been unable to identify viable interventions or solutions to tackle the challenges impacting on its operations. The most pressing issue has been the provision of a competitive energy tariff.
While talks with government and other stakeholders continue, the venture has decided to place two of its three smelters on care and maintenance. Only the Lion smelter, in Limpopo, will remain operational.
"These operations have long been a cornerstone of local economic activity. The potential closure of these smelters will result in significant job losses and have a devastating impact on employees, their families and the surrounding communities.
"We have also taken the time to review the Alloys Division and will be rightsizing some departments," the venture states, adding that it is imperative that all stakeholders acknowledge the gravity of this situation and collaborate urgently to develop sustainable solutions that preserve employment and support affected communities.
Article Enquiry
Email Article
Save Article
Feedback
To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here
Comments
Research Reports
Projects
Latest Multimedia
Latest News
Showroom
Occupational health services, mobile clinics, wellness campaigns, aviation.
VISIT SHOWROOM
Sweet-Orr, established in 1871, is a global leader in superior protective workwear, known for quality, innovation, and performance.
VISIT SHOWROOM
Press Office
Announcements
What's On
Subscribe to improve your user experience...
Option 1 (equivalent of R125 a month):
Receive a weekly copy of Creamer Media's Engineering News & Mining Weekly magazine
(print copy for those in South Africa and e-magazine for those outside of South Africa)
Receive daily email newsletters
Access to full search results
Access archive of magazine back copies
Access to Projects in Progress
Access to ONE Research Report of your choice in PDF format
Option 2 (equivalent of R375 a month):
All benefits from Option 1
PLUS
Access to Creamer Media's Research Channel Africa for ALL Research Reports, in PDF format, on various industrial and mining sectors
including Electricity; Water; Energy Transition; Hydrogen; Roads, Rail and Ports; Coal; Gold; Platinum; Battery Metals; etc.
Already a subscriber?
Forgotten your password?
Receive weekly copy of Creamer Media's Engineering News & Mining Weekly magazine (print copy for those in South Africa and e-magazine for those outside of South Africa)
➕
Recieve daily email newsletters
➕
Access to full search results
➕
Access archive of magazine back copies
➕
Access to Projects in Progress
➕
Access to ONE Research Report of your choice in PDF format
RESEARCH CHANNEL AFRICA
R4500 (equivalent of R375 a month)
SUBSCRIBEAll benefits from Option 1
➕
Access to Creamer Media's Research Channel Africa for ALL Research Reports on various industrial and mining sectors, in PDF format, including on:
Electricity
➕
Water
➕
Energy Transition
➕
Hydrogen
➕
Roads, Rail and Ports
➕
Coal
➕
Gold
➕
Platinum
➕
Battery Metals
➕
etc.
Receive all benefits from Option 1 or Option 2 delivered to numerous people at your company
➕
Multiple User names and Passwords for simultaneous log-ins
➕
Intranet integration access to all in your organisation
