Africa-Press – Namibia. THE Minister of Justice and Labour Relations, Wise Immanuel, will be in Tsumeb on Monday for a dialogue on the “voluntary” retrenchment of Sinomine Tsumeb Smelter employees.
The Sinomine Resources Group, a Chinese mining company that runs the smelter following a merger with Dundee Precious Metals, announced last month that it has started a process of “voluntary retrenchment” of 650 employees due to challenges the company is currently facing, including increased smelting capabilities in copper-producing countries.
However, Minister Immanuel has intervened, requesting the process be stopped, saying that the employer did not comply with the relevant provisions of the law that mandate proper consultations even in the case of voluntary separation.
Alina Garises, Sinomine’s communications manager, confirmed receipt of a letter from the Minister regarding a scheduled visit on Monday.
“The visit is indeed taking place as communicated, and we are ready to host the Honourable Minister,” she said.
At the time of taking over the Tsumeb Smelter last year, Sinomine made a “no retrenchment for three years” promise to the workers and to the Namibia Competition Commission.
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
