Zimbabwe: Zimasco to cut 370 mining jobs

SINOSTEEL’S Zimbabwe unit, Zimasco, planned to cut about 370 jobs at its Peak chrome mine in Shurugwi, six months after firing managers at its Mutorashanga mine, because of poor metal prices, two managers with knowledge of the situation said. Workers at the mine, about 300km south-west of Harare, had rejected a payout that averaged $1 700 (R19 161) each and were demanding they be allowed to retain the houses they lived in, one of the managers said, asking not to be identified because negotiations were still taking place. The case might go to arbitration at the labour ministry, he added. In April Zimasco fired its remaining managers at Mutorashanga, leaving all mining to small-scale contractors. Spokeswoman Clara Sadomba was unavailable for comment. – Bloomberg