NW Premier to meet Amplats management

North West Premier Thandi Modise is to lead a delegation from the provincial government to engage Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) management on the outcome of its business review proposal that could leave about 14,000 workers jobless.

Anglo American Platinum is set to close four shafts.

Premier Modise will use the opportunity to share the concern of the provincial government regarding the consultation processes, impact of job losses and how this could be mitigated should the mine proceed with its plan.

According to the announcement made by Cynthia Carroll, chief executive of Anglo American and chairman of Anglo American Platinum on Tuesday, her company proposes to put four unsustainable, high-cost shafts, namely Khuseleka 1 and 2 and Khomanani 1 and 2 on long-term care and maintenance.

The company proposes to create at least 14,000 new jobs through housing, infrastructure and small business development to balance the number of jobs that may be affected by the restructuring.

The North West Province, known as the Platinum Province, is responsible for 94% of South Africa's platinum.

The province might be the worst hit by Amplats' proposal - as 13,000 of the jobs that might be affected are employees in the Rustenburg area.