Over 27,000 jobs are currently at risk in the South African mining sector as a result of the ongoing effects of the economic downturn, Business Day reports today (March 2nd).

According to the latest estimates from the Solidarity union, 27,632 positions are under threat, incorporating both union and non-union workers, but not temporary staff.

The figure includes an anticipated cut of 10,000 by Anglo Platinum, the world's largest producer of platinum, with 4,000 of those posts unlikely to be filled, in comparison to the company's prediction of 2,000.

Furthermore, Solidarity forecasts that 4,000 jobs are set to be lost at Lonmin's Marikana operations, although discussions between the world's third-biggest platinum producer and unions are ongoing.

However, one opinion which appears to be shared throughout the sector is that it is tough to pinpoint the final total due to the complex nature of companies' recruitment policies.

The National Union of Mineworkers claimed recently that it expects between 25,000 and 50,000 job losses - including contractors - while Solidarity spokesman Jaco Kleynhans believes the final figure will not be as high as first feared.

Meanwhile, labour consultant Andrew Levy, from Andrew Levy and Associates, told the news provider that he expects the total to be over 27,000, but not as much as 50 per cent higher.

Mr Kleynhans also noted that through the union's work with local communities such as platinum-mining town Rustenburg, it is aware that thousands of workers will be unable to secure jobs in new sectors.

Source:

Doubt on final total for mines job losses (02/03/09)

http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/topstories.aspx?ID=BD4A949918