The spreading civil unrest in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa has led to the suspension of operations at MC Mining’s 70%-owned Uitkomst colliery.
Protests, road blockages and attacks on transport vehicles - blamed by some on supporters of jailed former president Jacob Zuma - have impacted towns and communities across the province including the homes of the majority of Uitkomst’s employees and contractors.
Interim CEO Sam Randazzo hopes the suspension will discourage activists from targeting the mine site, while also protecting the safety of its workforce.
Security forces have been deployed, and the company is continuing to monitor the situation hoping for a speedy return to work.