[miningmx.com] — OPERATIONS at Gold Fields’ KDC West gold mine
(formerly Driefontein) have been brought to grinding halt following the start of a
second unprotected strike in as many weeks at the gold mining company.
The company said on Monday that the strike started during the previous day’s night
shift, with around 15,000 participating employees.
“At this stage the reason for the strike remains unclear, but we hope to gain clarity as
soon as possible,’ said Peter Turner, executive vice president and head of Gold Fields’
South Africa Region. “The situation on the mine has been calm and peaceful since the
start of the strike and we appeal to all stakeholders to continue to act with restraint
and to engage in good faith.’
The east section of KDC was halted for a week when 12,000 employees went on strike
due to internal strife at the dominant National Union of Mineworkers. The strike was
resolved last week Wednesday following the intervention of NUM’s national leadership.
