Nearly 500 jobs under threat at Bakubung Mine

 

Platinum Weekly newspaper | Ledig – Nearly 500 jobs are under threat at Bakubung Platinum Mine after Wesizwe Platinum Limited confirmed the commencement of a Section 189A consultation process at its flagship operation near Ledig, Rustenburg.

The company announced on 4 June 2026 that the process forms part of an ongoing review of the mine’s operational and economic position, as it seeks to implement a turnaround strategy aimed at preserving liquidity, ensuring long-term sustainability and aligning the operation with its future 3.5-million-tonne-per-annum (Mtpa) strategy.

According to information released by the company, approximately 497 of the mine’s 706 employees could be affected by the proposed restructuring. However, Wesizwe stressed that no final decision has been taken regarding retrenchments.

The Section 189A process is a formal consultation process involving recognised trade unions and elected employee representatives. Discussions will focus on the reasons for the proposed restructuring, possible alternatives to retrenchments and measures to minimise the impact on affected employees.

Wesizwe acknowledged the sensitivity of the process and the potential impact on employees, their families and surrounding communities. The company said it remains committed to engaging openly and constructively with labour representatives, regulators, local government, traditional leaders and other stakeholders.

As a precautionary measure, Bakubung Platinum Mine has also implemented a temporary operational shutdown. Wesizwe said the decision was taken to allow the company to monitor the situation and ensure the safety and security of employees while consultations continue.

Operations will resume once the company is satisfied that it is safe and appropriate to do so.

If the proposed restructuring proceeds in its current form, the loss of approximately 497 positions would represent one of the most significant mining job-loss consultations seen in the Rustenburg area in recent years.

Wesizwe said it remains committed to managing the process lawfully, fairly and responsibly while protecting both the integrity of the consultation process and the long-term future of Bakubung Platinum Mine.

Photo: Wesizwe began its formal retrenchment consultations and operations are temporarily halted.