Glencore subsidiary Optimum to shut mines, shed 600 jobs

After warning in January of the possible closure of several of its opencast coal operations, coal processing plants and associated support services, Glencore subsidiary Optimum Coal Mines on Thursday announced that it would proceed with the placing of some of its operations on care and maintenance, resulting in the retrenchment of between 600 and 700 employees. This followed an “extensive” Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration- (CCMA-) facilitated Section 189 consultation process with organised labour and the Department of Mineral Resources to determine whether measures were available to avoid the closure of the operations and the resultant job losses.