Minister of Justice and Labour Relations Fillemon Immanuel visited the Sinomine Mine in Tsumeb today amid growing concerns over a voluntary retrenchment process currently underway.

The visit followed an earlier standoff where mine management initially refused the minister entry, demanding that he, along with his delegation and security personnel, undergo alcohol testing before setting foot on the premises.

The mine has since issued an apology for the incident.

Immanuel told workers that if any law required him to submit to such treatment, he would be prepared to propose an amendment in Parliament.

During his address, the minister emphasised the importance of clear communication and consensus among all key stakeholders, the company, the union, and the affected employees.

He noted a lack of coordination, stating that not all parties appear to be properly informed about the retrenchment process.

Sinomine’s Executive Vice President of Business Development, Zebra Kasete, explained that the voluntary separation decision was driven by market pressures, particularly due to restrictions on the export of unprocessed materials in certain countries, which have disrupted supply chains.

He added that the copper concentrate business is under severe strain.

Despite assurances from the mine’s Head of Legal Compliance and Company Secretary, Zeka Alberto, that the process falls under voluntary separation and not dismissal under Section 34 of the Labour Act, the minister expressed concern over whether all legal channels—including notifying the Labour Commissioner—have been adequately followed.

Mine Workers Union Chairperson Paulus Heita said some employees were threatened to apply for voluntary separation, with failure to do so resulting in dismissal and loss of all benefits associated with voluntary separation.

The meeting is still underway.