Aurora heritage affect neighbouring mines after Solidarity warnings fall on deaf ears

Although the Pamodzi liquidators could prevent the controversial Aurora Empowerment Systems from causing further havoc at the Orkney and Grootvlei mines, the result of Aurora's heritage is still having a ripple effect, trade union Solidarity said today. The gold mine company, Goliath Gold, announced today that it has to shut down its Nigel 1 shaft temporarily for safety reasons since water from the neighbouring Grootvlei mine is busy flooding its shafts.

According to Gideon du Plessis, Deputy General Secretary of Solidarity, the trade union already warned the Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources two months ago on 13 April about this danger, but it clearly fell on deaf ears.

"Although Aurora has now been removed as demolishers, the result of their actions is now busy causing widespread damage. Despite the political ties of Aurora's directors, action now needs to be taken urgently against them, in the interest of the country," Du Plessis said.

Meanwhile, the trade union continues its fight to obtain the overdue compensation for thousands of former Aurora employees. "In May 2011, Solidarity submitted a liquidation application of R3,1 million against Aurora, but Aurora indicated at the last moment that they will contend the application," Du Plessis said. "Aurora now has until 20 June to submit their opposing documents at the High Court in Pretoria, after which Solidarity has two weeks to react. However, if Aurora fails to submit their court documents in time, the case will be heard unopposed on 7 July in the High Court," Du Plessis concluded.

Statement issued by Gideon du Plessis, Deputy General Secretary: Solidarity, June 8 2011

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