Assmang’s Khumani iron ore mine

Johannesburg, South Africa --- MININGREVIEW.COM --- 29 July 2010 - Trade union Solidarity says that wage negotiations at Assmang Limited's Khumani and Beeshoek iron mines in the Northern Cape have been concluded after only two rounds, with the union obtaining a wage increase of 10%.

Assmang is jointly owned by African Rainbow Minerals Limited (50%) and Assore Limited (50%), and has three operating divisions ‒ chrome, manganese and iron ore ‒ which supply raw materials to the world's steel mills and alloy plants.
 
Solidarity spokesperson Jaco Kleynhans said the demand for iron was still positive in spite of slower growth in the manufacturing sector.

“Skills are the most valuable asset in which a company can invest. The wage agreement will pave the way for wage negotiations that will be held in this area later in the year. Mines will become more competitive, which will benefit employees,” Kleynhans added.

In terms of the wage agreement, employees will receive two additional days of leave, an increase in their shift allowance and an increase in the maternity benefit from the current 40% to 60%.