The Chamber of Mines of South Africa advises that Village Main Reef has concluded a wage agreement with the representative unions at the company’s gold mining operations.

The two-year agreement, concluded under the auspices of the Chamber of Mines, allows for increases of R1,000 and R800 for Category 4-8 underground and surface employees respectively, and increases ranging between 5.5% and 6.5% for Miners, Artisans and Officials.

Speaking on behalf of the Chamber of Mines, Dr Elize Strydom, said: “Village Main Reef’s approach is focussed on increases to basic wages because the company’s Tau Lekoa mine has a short life span. We are pleased that the parties have been able to engage and conclude an agreement with no disruption to the business. The agreement was reached within a flexible negotiating structure which has evolved over a number of years to allow for companies with vastly different economic and operating circumstances to be accommodated.”

Wage negotiations in respect of the AngloGold Ashanti, Evander Gold Mines, Harmony and Sibanye Gold are continuing. Bilateral meetings between the companies and unions have been concluded and a further collective meeting will be held later this week.

Issued by Chamber of Mines