[miningmx.com] — ANGLOGOLD Ashanti has finally issued its striking
workforce an ultimatum to return to work, close to a month after all its South African
operations were brought to a standstill.
It has told its workers to return to work by Wednesday 14:00 or face dismissal.
Employees who heed the warning will be entitled to the improved wage offer
previously agreed to by the Chamber of Mines and National Union of Mineworkers.
The strike action started on September 20 at AngloGold’s Kopanang shaft and spread
soon thereafter to its entire South African asset base. The company said on Monday it
was losing 32,000 ounces of gold per week due to the strike.
At Kopanang and Great Noligwa, however, workers have begun to return to work,
AngloGold said.
The ultimatum came with the warning that ore bodies and underground infrastructure
have started to deteriorate to the point where some of the mines could be sterilised.
“The point has now been reached where further steps must be taken to try break the
deadlock and encourage a rapid return to normal operations,’ read a company
statement. “It is regretful that matters have reached this stage, with job losses now
being threatened and livelihoods for thousands of families being placed at risk.’
