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The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has after studying the founding and responding affidavits of both the Chamber of Mines and the Minister of Mineral Resources decided to approach the North Gauteng High Court as an intervening party or friend of the court in the Mining Charter three pending interdict.

Our legal team tomorrow the 14th September 2017 will be presenting to the court reasons why the union should be admitted, in our founding affidavits we have also assured the court that our participation will not delay or postpone the scheduled dates of the 14th -15th September 2017.

Since our intervention is premised on ensuring this process is not unduly delayed, thus negatively affecting our members and who are beneficiaries of various elements in the Mining Charter. Although we are not going oppose the application by the Chamber of Mines, the NUM will be making critical submissions to the court (which we hope will assist the court in adjudicating this matter).

In defence of the gains our members have benefited from in various charters like Employee Share Ownership Schemes, improved Home Ownership options and lastly, we want to also indicate the importance of this instrument (Mining Charter) in light of mining industry’s resistance to transformation and sector being not meaningful for communities and employees in general.

Issued by NUM