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SIBANYE GOLD LIMITED - Sibanye-Stillwater and AMCU conclude gold strike

Release Date: 17/04/2019 16:55
Code(s): SGL     PDF:  
Wrap Text
Sibanye-Stillwater and AMCU conclude gold strike

Sibanye Gold Limited
Trading as Sibanye-Stillwater
Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa
Registration number 2002/031431/06
Share code: SGL
ISIN – ZAE000173951
Issuer code: SGL
(“Sibanye-Stillwater” or “the Group” or “the Company”)

Sibanye-Stillwater and AMCU conclude gold strike

Johannesburg, 17 April 2019. Sibanye-Stillwater (Tickers JSE: SGL and NYSE: SBGL) is
pleased to report that the five month strike by the Association of Mineworkers and
Construction Union (AMCU) at its SA gold operations, has been resolved. Both parties
have acknowledged that it is in their interest to re-base and develop a constructive
relationship going forward. The parties agree that in acknowledgement of the need for
a constructive working relationship they will foster a safe and sustainable business
that creates value for all stakeholders. The parties therefore agree to a facilitated
‘post-strike conflict’ relationship building program aimed at aligning leaders of both
organised labour and management.

As part of the agreement reached with Sibanye-Stillwater, AMCU has committed, inter
alia to the following conditions:

 - signing the 2018 three-year wage agreement* previously signed with National Union
   of Mineworkers (the NUM), Solidarity and UASA in respect of wages and conditions of
   service for the period 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2021
 - affirm commitment to conclude a peace pact within 30 days
 - abide by the decisions of the court and that no further appeals will be instituted
   or pursued
 - developing and implementing, along with other stakeholders, a plan to ensure a safe
   start and ramp-up of production post-strike, and to promote and ensure sustainable
   safe production together with the company

Sibanye-Stillwater has agreed to, inter alia:

 - an ex gratia payment of R4,000 for all employees at its gold operations in the form
   of cash or a voucher, to alleviate hardship
 - offer a cash advance of R5,000 upon request of the employees which will be repayable
   over a 12 month period
 - assistance with debt consolidation and counselling as part of the existing ‘Care for
   iMali’ program
 - waive its rights to reclaim costs incurred on behalf of employees during the strike
   including contributions to medical aid and pension/provident funds, accommodation
   and feeding costs
 - provide transport for employees to return to work
 - any employees who were dismissed for strike related misconduct will be subject to
   normal disciplinary proceedings in line with the Company’s disciplinarily code and
   procedures which include the right to lodge a complaint in line with the formal
   grievance procedures

As a result of the agreement, the AMCU strike is no longer protected and all employees
will been notified to report for work as per a build-up schedule which will be
communicated internally in due course. The safety and wellness of our employees is our
first priority and in line with our CARES values, the immediate focus will be on ensuring
that the gold operations re-commence safely. Initial shifts will consist of fit-for-
work medicals, training and assessing work places before mining activities can re-
commence.

Sibanye-Stillwater CEO, Neal Froneman commented: “We are pleased that the extended
strike at our gold operations has ended, without undermining other stakeholders or
compromising their rights. We are encouraged by AMCU’s commitment to peace and safety.
We are hopeful that the relationship can now be rebuilt in a constructive manner, for
the future benefit of all stakeholders. It is with sadness that we reflect on the losses
and hardship resulting from the strike, which include lives lost and serious injuries
sustained. We are fully committed to restoring the gold operations to profitability,
for the benefit of all stakeholders including employees, the local communities and those
dependent on the regional economy.”

Joint media briefing scheduled for this afternoon at 15h00 CAT

A joint media briefing by Sibanye-Stillwater and AMCU will take place this afternoon
at 15h00(CAT) at Sibanye-Stillwater’s Libanon Business Park at 1 Hospital road,
Westonaria.


*For more details on the three year wage and non-wage increases of the three year wage agreement,
please    refer    to     the    announcement    on    14    November     2018    available    at
https://www.sibanyestillwater.com/investors/news/company-announcements/2018.




Contacts:

Email: ir@sibanyestillwater.com

James Wellsted
Head of Investor Relations
+27 (0) 83 453 4014

Sponsor: J.P. Morgan Equities South Africa Proprietary Limited

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbour”
provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements
other than statements of historical fact included in this announcement may be forward-looking
statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “will”,
“would”, “expect”, “may”, “could” “believe”, “anticipate”, “target”, “estimate” and words of
similar meaning. These forward-looking statements, including among others, those relating to
our future business prospects, financial positions, ability to reduce debt leverage, business
strategies, plans and objectives of management for future operations and the anticipated benefits
and synergies of transactions, are necessarily estimates reflecting the best judgement of our
senior management. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. Forward
looking statements involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors,
many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of Sibanye-Stillwater
that could cause Sibanye-Stillwater’s actual results and outcomes to be materially different
from historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements. As a consequence, these forward-looking statements should be considered in light of
various important factors, including those set forth in the Group’s Annual Integrated Report
and Annual Financial Report, published on 30 March 2018, and the Group’s Annual Report on Form
20-F filed by Sibanye-Stillwater with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 2 April 2018
(SEC File no. 001-35785). These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this
announcement. Sibanye-Stillwater expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or
revise these forward-looking statements, save as required by applicable law.

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