Maria David
SINOMINE Resources Group has issued an apology following an incident where the Minister of Labour Relations, Wise Immanuel, and his delegation were denied entry to its Tsumeb smelter.
The Minister was scheduled to engage with mine leaders regarding a planned voluntary retrenchment of workers.
In a statement, Sinomine Manager of Communications, Alina Garises, described the incident as a miscommunication between the relevant parties.
Garises clarified that the denial of entry was linked to the company’s long-standing alcohol testing policy, which has been in effect since 2013.
“Following the acquisition, the company has continued to enforce the site-wide alcohol testing policy,” she said.
She emphasised that this policy serves critical purposes to ensure compliance with industry standards, address the requirements of a high-risk industrial environment, and ensure the safety of all personnel and visitors on site.
Garises stressed that the Tsumeb Smelter highly values its cooperative relationship with the Namibian government and the local community, and that they remain committed to contributing to Namibia’s social and economic development.
