Conclusion of the S189 consultation process at the Marikana operations

Johannesburg - Sibanye-Stillwater (Tickers JSE: SGL and NYSE: SBGL) advises that the consultation process with relevant stakeholders in terms of Section 189A (S189) of the Labour Relations Act, 66 of 1995 (LRA), regarding the proposed restructuring of its Marikana operation and associated services (previously Lonmin), as previously announced on 25 September 2019, has been concluded.

The outcome of the S189 process, following consultations with stakeholders, is as follows:

• Shaft 1B and a specific sweeping and vamping project will continue with limited mining, sweeping and reclamation, until the end of December 2020 – resulting in the preservation of 329 jobs, provided that the projects continue to be profitable on a three-month average period.
• Job losses were reduced by identifying approximately 166 opportunities for affected employees to be transferred to other operations.
• Approximately 1,612 employees were granted Voluntary Separation Packages (VSPs), 53 employees proceeded on normal retirement and natural attrition accounted for 259 employees.
• Approximately 1,142 employees were ultimately retrenched, and contractors were reduced by 1,709.

Sibanye-Stillwater chief executive officer, Neal Froneman commented:

“We are pleased with the outcome of the consultations with stakeholders, which despite the necessary closure of some end of life shafts, resulted in the preservation of a number of jobs.

This will result in a more sustainable business which will secure employment for the majority of the Marikana workforce for a much longer period.

Sibanye-Stillwater press release.
16 January 2020