The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is currently in discussions with Seriti Resources following the company’s announcement to lay off over 1 000 employees. Seriti attributes the retrenchments to operational challenges caused by Transnet’s underperformance and market volatility. The restructuring will impact 1 137 employees as Seriti seeks to reduce costs and ensure operational sustainability. NUM claims the new business model will only replace permanent employees with contractors like Blu Mining, sparking further concerns. Despite NUM’s attempts to engage the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) to halt the retrenchments, no progress has been made. NUM has accused the DMRE of failing to respond to its memorandum or meeting requests, intensifying tensions.
