South Africa’s NUM Takes On Hernic Ferrochrome Over Safety

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in South Africa is targeting Hernic Ferrochrome following a 13 December underground mine disaster that crushed and then drowned seven miners in Brits, North West Province. Managers refused to allow NUM representatives to investigate South Africa’s deadliest 2004 mine disaster caused by a flood from a dislodged valve that brought a ventilation lattice wall down. “The behaviour of this company demonstrates absolute arrogance in the face of calamity,” said NUM Gen. Sec. Gwede Mantashe. “We will leave no stone unturned in our commitment to ensuring that families of these workers see justice being done.” The NUM will be present 15 February when an official Department of Minerals and Energy inquiry commences. Hernic, a high-carbon ferrochrome producer that is just now ramping production up at the Brits mine, is 53.2% owned by Japan’s Mitsubishi, 25% by the South African government’s Industrial Development Corp., 11.5% by Elg Hansel of Germany, and 7.5% by mine management.