Sibanye-Stillwater commences consultation with stakeholder’s regarding possible restructuring at its gold operations and associated services
Johannesburg, 14 February 2019: Sibanye-Stillwater (Tickers JSE: SGL and NYSE: SBGL) advises that it will enter into consultation with relevant stakeholders in terms of Section 189A (Section 189A) of the Labour Relations Act, 66 of 1995 (LRA), regarding the possible restructuring of its gold operations and associated services, pursuant to ongoing financial losses experienced at the Beatrix 1 and Driefontein 2,6,7,8 shafts during 2018.
The initiation of a Section 189 consultation process follows numerous initiatives to contain losses at these operations, which have thus far proven to be unsuccessful. Through a formal Section 189A consultation process, the Company and affected stakeholders will together consider measures to avoid and mitigate possible retrenchments and seek alternatives to the potential cessation or downscaling of operations at the affected shafts.
Sibanye-Stillwater management has consistently highlighted the operational and financial risks associated with the underperformance of these shafts at future forum meetings, which have been held regularly with stakeholders (including the unions). Attempts to jointly devise viable alternative measures to curb losses at these shafts, have so far been unsuccessful. Formal engagement through a Section 189 consultation process has now become unavoidable. Subject to the outcome of the Section 189A process, approximately 5,870 employees and 800 contractors could possibly be directly impacted.
Since listing in 2013, Sibanye-Stillwater has, through steady growth, expanded its role in the South African mining industry. The Group currently employs over 61,000 people in South Africa, compared with 37,700 employees six years ago, and is one of the largest employers in the South African mining industry. Neal Froneman, Chief Executive Officer of Sibanye-Stillwater, commented: “Contemplating potential restructuring of this nature is never taken lightly and we are aware of the possible impact on many of our colleagues. Our best attempts to address the ongoing losses at these operations, have however been unsuccessful and sustaining these losses may threaten the viability of our other operations.
Previous engagement of this nature has proven successful, with Beatrix 4 shaft remaining operational and profitable, due to the successful outcome of two separate Section 189A processes in 2013 and 2017. We hope to engage constructively with our stakeholders to find ways to minimise and avoid job losses during this process, while ensuring that additional jobs are not placed at risk in future.”
Statement issued by Sibanye-Stillwater spokesperson, James Wellsted, 14 February 2019
