PriceSensitive

Resolute Mining (ASX:RSG) drops guidance amid workers’ strike in Mali

Mining
ASX:RSG      MCAP $883.5M
10 September 2020 10:01 (AEST)

Resolute Mining (RSG) has withdrawn its full-year production and cost guidance, after its COVID-19 protocols sparked tension with a Mali-based workers’ union.

The union notified Resolute Mining that a 10-day strike will occur at the company’s Syama gold mine, if demands surrounding the pandemic protocols are not met.

Resolute revealed the impending strike after the market closed yesterday, but did not mark the information as price sensitive, despite withdrawing its guidance.

The company claims its pandemic response prioritises the health, safety and well-being of its employees, contractors and stakeholders, while also mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on mining operations.

As part of the protocols, the company has stood-down non-essential workers from the regions surrounding the Syama mine, to help stem the flow of infections throughout the country.

Coronavirus cases in Mali have been trending down since early June, with 140 total cases being recorded between August 21 and September 3. To date, the country has recorded more around 2,900 cases and 127 deaths, since the outbreak began.

With cases numbers continuing to drop the union now wants the stood-down workers reinstated and is willing to stall or slow operations and the site to make its voice heard.

In a scalding public statement, Resolute Mining condemned the strike, calling it irresponsible and opportunistic. The company also claims the strike action breaches the standing Syama Workforce Stability Agreement between the company and its workers, through no specific violations were noted.

Resolute Mining is now considering its next move and remains in dialogue with the union.

Resolute Mining closed 4.5 per cent in the red for $1.06 per share.

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