Arrests made relating to RBM shootings

KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala has welcomed the arrests made in connection with the ongoing violence that has affected Richards Bay Minerals (RBM).

The arrests follow the shooting of two RBM employees inside the premises of the mining giant.

This was after the company resumed operations following a three-week shutdown of the mine amid safety concerns for its more than 5 000 employees.

The shutdown, which also affected the R6,5-billion Zulti-South project, was caused by growing tensions within the Mbonambi community where the mining company operates, as well as calls for the finalisation of the chieftaincy issue in the area.

‘The provincial government is commited to bring peace and stability at RBM and nearby communities.

‘We are deeply concerned about the acts of violence, which we believe have the potential to harm the economy of the province, resulting in devastating consequences to our province’s economic prospects.

‘The ongoing violence has the potential to alienate investors who are willing to pump in millions of rands into this province to assist government initiatives aimed at stimulating economic growth,’ said Premier Zikalala.

Resuming operations in late December, RBM said it was expecting to return to regular production early in the year, but titanium dioxide slag production for 2019 would be at the bottom end of 2019 guidance of between 1.2 and 1.4 million tonnes.

The company said it would also review the restart of the Zulti-South project after the normalisation of operations.
Zikalala, however, expressed confidence that the police will return stability

in the community. He said a team he put in place last year is also hard at work to restore peace.

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