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The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) does not agree with Glencore's decision to close its Eland Platinum Mine near Brits in the North West Province.

The NUM does take into consideration that mining companies are under pressure, but we believe that the majority of the mining companies must serve the interests of the country.

"The President Jacob Zuma has made a request to the mining companies to hold these retrenchments. The NUM also echoes the same sentiments by President Jacob Zuma that mining companies must hold the retrenchments and give us the opportunity to engage and come up with alternatives," said William Mabapa, NUM Deputy General Secretary.

The NUM also supports the process by the Department of Mineral Resources Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi to stop retrenchments in the mining industry. It is very disappointing that while DMR minister is trying to find a solution, some mining companies do not take the process into consideration and they are continuing with retrenchments.

The NUM is extremely worried about this bloodbath of job losses in the mining industry and we will continue to engage the mining companies in finding a solution.

Issued by NUM