[miningmx.com] — KUMBA IRON ORE has suspended deliveries to its
main domestic customer, ArcelorMittal SA (Amsa), due to the ongoing strike at the
group’s Sishen mine in the Northern Cape.
Amsa said that Kumba issued a force majeure notice on Friday.
“The duration of the force majeure is unknown, but SIOC [Kumba] anticipates that it
might endure for approximately two weeks,’ read an Amsa statement.
Amsa said that its Saldanha plant would be negatively affected it the situation
continues for more than a week-and-a-half, as it has stockpiles to continue its
operations for a limited period.
“The other plants have enough stockpiles and alternatives should the industrial action
continue for an extended period.’
Kumba earlier said that it was losing out on 120,000 tonnes of production per day due
to the strike.
Amsa further warned over potential operational disruptions which could arise as a
result of the current strikes in the transport sector.
“The nature of these potential operational disruptions will be disclosed once these
have been firmed up or become clearer.’
