25 Nov 2018

BCL liquidator has a total of 477 permanent and 33 temporary workers at BCL, Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Mr Eric Molale has said.

He said the liquidator had also engaged 34 permanent and two temporary workers at Tati Nickel Mine, while six foreign employees were employed in the field of engineering, design draughtsman, team leader, technical advisory engineer and general manager in the field of environment.

He said the care and maintenance of the mine entailed dewatering the mine shafts which requires pumping, ventilation, repairs of critical mining infrastructure and machinery required such as cages, pumping equipment, water treatment plants, the concentrator upkeep and surface area clean-up.

He said this was meant to maintain and prepare the assets for disposal.

He further noted that the ministry had no intention to reduce the care and maintenance employment levels.

“In fact I have asked the liquidator to optimise employment levels to comply with the relevant legislation, in particular, as it relates to safety and health,” he said.

Selebi Phikwe West MP, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse had asked the minister to state the number of workers employed by the BCL liquidator for the purpose of care and maintenance.

Mr Keorapetse also asked what the care and maintenance entailed, the intention to reduce the number of workers as well as the number of foreign employees, their qualifications and positions. ENDS