Assmang to place Beeshoek Mine under care and maintenance, 622 jobs affected

ASSMANG has announced it will place its Beeshoek Iron Ore Mine near Postmasburg in the Northern Cape under care and maintenance at the end of November, following the completion of a Section 189 consultation process in terms of the Labour Relations Act.

- SIPHELELE DLUDLA

The plaing of the mine under care and maintenance, as well as the retrenchment of workers, comes despite the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) having expressed strong opposition and its readiness to engage in consultations to explore alternatives.

The decision, which comes after extensive consultations facilitated by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) and involving representative trade unions, will result in the retrenchment of all affected employees, numbering approximately 622 permanent workers, effective 30 November 2025.

Assmang, a joint venture between African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) and Assore South Africa, cited declining offtake, ageing infrastructure, and high operating costs as key factors behind the move.