De Beers Consolidated Mines (DBCM) issued the Labour Relations Act notices in an act to reduce its workforce of 2,236 by 189 positions. The notices have been sent to the 189 employees based in corporate offices in Johannesburg and Kimberley, as well as at the Venetia Mine. The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) questioned the rationale and process for the restructuring by DBCM Venetia Mine.

The decision follows after last year DBCM decided to align its production to meet softer market demand and reduce ‘stay in business’ and ‘expansion capital’ costs in order to ensure that its South African mining business remains sustainable. DBCM is reducing its staff it noted in order to reduce its overhead expenses.

The company announced that of the 189 positions, 68 may be reduced without retrenchments and by natural attrition from retirements and the redeployment of employees. The remaining 121 will be concentrated at the corporate offices in Kimberley and Johannesburg, at Venetia Mine and in the Venetia Underground Project (VUP).

Also, DBCM mentioned that it has carefully reviewed options available and believes that the restructuring proposal will ensure the business is fit for purpose and better able to operate within this volatile and less predictable economic environment.