Held hostage overnight

Northam – A small group of protestors unlawfully blocked Mortimer Smelter’s entrance on Tuesday 3 August, demanding procurement opportunities. 

Anglo American Platinum worked closely with the police to ensure the safety of its employees, who were able to leave the plant safely on Wednesday morning. Afternoon shift employees were also able to report safely for work on Wednesday 4 August – business as usual.

The company warned that the disruption of operations put its significant social and tax contributions at risk, and encouraged communities to use the existing structures to raise grievances and concerns.
“Healthy community relations are vital to ensuring thriving communities around our operations.

Since 2016, we have increased procurement from host community suppliers by more than 500%, with procurement spend from local and doorstep communities totalling R2.2 billion in the first six months of the year.

We have also invested R300 million in community development and support initiatives, and paid R16.6 billion in royalties and taxes during the first half of this year,” Platinum’s press release reads.