Prolonged NUM strike will threaten Eskom coal supplies

Eskom does not expect the National Union of Mineworkers’ (NUM’s) strike in the coal sector to have an immediate effect on its coal supplies, but prolonged industrial action will deplete the power utility’s stockpiles. Over 30 000 NUM members went on strike on Sunday after NUM and affected coal companies – Anglo Coal, Glencore, Delmas, Exxaro Coal, Kangra and Msobo – could not reach an agreement over NUM’s demand for R1 000 for the lowest category and 14% for the artisans, miners and officials.