Johannesburg - An underground fire at Sibanye Gold's Beatrix mine near Welkom is threatening 3000 jobs, the company said on Tuesday.
The fire, which broke out on February 19, had a major effect on the mine's viability, spokesman James Wellsted said.
The timber structures supporting the shafts were burning at “an intense temperature”, he said.
Trade union Solidarity said it received a Section 189 notice from the company on April 2, stating it had to retrench some employees because of operational requirements.
A Section 189 notice deals with the termination of employment contracts and prescribes the consultation process to be followed.
Wellsted said a 60-day consultation period was determined to try and minimise losses and retrenchments.
“A decision hasn't been made at all. That's why we've brought in (the affected parties).”
Solidarity spokeswoman Moira-Marie Kloppers said times were tough for the mining industry.
“As a trade union, we are well aware of the challenges facing the industry at the moment. We are, however, trying to limit the impact of the consequences.”
The union would meet Sibanye Gold on April 24, she said. - Sapa