NUM Aurora threat

The National Union of Mineworkers yesterday said it would intensify its strikes at two of Aurora Empowerment Systems' mines and would "press the liquidators to move on" and bring companies that were more competent on board.

Aurora took over several mines from liquidated Pamodzi Gold late last year but, with reports of the company running into financial problems, and its primary backer pulling out, the provisional liquidators have threatened to take the mines back.

The trade union's call follows Aurora's latest proposal to the union, in which it suggested that its Orkney workers return to work and would be paid in 10 days.

Aurora Empowerment Systems, a black economic empowerment investment company, sank deeper into trouble this week when workers at its Orkney mine, near Klerksdorp, said they were also downing tools until their March wages were paid.

"Our workers have made it clear that it is 'no pay, no work' and are angry at what Aurora has done through its string of false promises," said the NUM's Matlosana Maja Mphahlele.

Orkney is the second mine at which Aurora is facing difficulties. Workers at the company's Grootvlei mine, on the East Rand, downed tools more than two weeks ago because of unpaid wages.

Commenting on behalf of Aurora, Sheshile Ngubane said he was surprised by the NUM's statement.

"Just this morning we gave out food at Grootvlei - the NUM guys are obviously not getting the information."

He said Aurora had asked workers to resume work and return the mines to production.

"We have cleared our arrears of February," he said.

"No creditor is interested in Aurora because we're not producing at present.

"These guys are not thinking - if they don't do the work and produce, who is going to pay for the food?"

Trade union UASA said yesterday afternoon that it had just met management at the Orkney mine.

Spokesman Franz Stehring said UASA members had not received their wages for March but there was agreement that they would be remunerated each week in accordance with their productivity.

"Our members at Orkney will be ready and there will be a workforce assembled by Monday," he said.

"We have a deal on the table here and it's better than getting nothing if our members can get paid on a weekly basis."