NUM calls for ‘indefinite’ closure of Marula mine amid Covid-19 outbreak
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has called for the Marula mine in Limpopo to be closed indefinitely following an outbreak of Covid-19.
This after the company revealed on Saturday that 19 workers had tested positive for the virus, leading to the mine’s temporary closure.
But NUM says the mine cannot resume operations until an investigation has found the root of the problem.
The union’s Livhuwani Mammburu has described the development as both shocking and disturbing.
"Mineworkers lives are sacrificed for profits by these mining companies. This is capitalism barbarism.
“The NUM in north east region has consistently warned the regulatory department that the majority of mines in Limpopo are not adhering to the COVID-19 regulations.”
He says the inspectors need to take responsibility.
"They dismally failed to do their job and put the lives of mineworkers at risk. This mine must be closed for an indefinite period for proper investigation to be done.”
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