Strike hits Matla, Arnot mines

The strikes‚ which started on Tuesday (5 March) have halted production at both mines.

The strikes are related to non-payment of performance bonuses because the mining operations did not achieved their performance targets. Employees have regularly been informed of performance levels and bonus payments.

"Exxaro is trying to get operations back to normal as soon as possible and is engaging with the unions. The mines have contingency plans and the coal supplies are sufficient to keep the Matla and Arnot power stations generating electricity‚" the company said.

It said the Matla mine had 19 days' supply available while the power station had two days' supply on hand. At Arnot there were sufficient coal supplies.

"Exxaro will continue to work closely with Eskom to ensure the availability of coal poses no risk to electricity supplies‚" Exxaro added.