AngloGold Ashanti signs agreement with MBC employees

Accra, Nov. 10, GNA– AngloGold Ashanti has signed a separation agreement with Mining and Building Contractors (MBC), its shareholders and the Ghana Mine Workers Union.   A release signed by Mr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, Vice President, Corporate Affairs of AngloGold Ashanti and copied to the Ghana News Agency said the agreement was aimed at ushering in a new era for Obuasi mine.   Last month, AngloGold Ashanti terminated its underground development contract with MBC in order to secure the viability and long-term sustainability of the mine.   “AngloGold Ashanti has recruited approximately 700 new employees, most of them former MBC employees, and will assume full responsibility for underground development with immediate effect,” the release said.   It said AngloGold Ashanti has traditionally undertaken underground production using its own employees and equipment.   The company will continue as an owner operator in production and assume underground development.    Mr Kwesi Enyan, Managing Director of Obuasi mine, was delighted with the agreement saying it provides a great deal of certainty to affected workers as its assume full responsibility for its own underground development work.   “We believe that this is an important step in the transformation of Obuasi mine into a world class asset.   “In terms of the separation agreement, AngloGold Ashanti will fund the employee entitlements owed by MBC to … employees directly affected by the termination of the relationship between the two parties,” he added.   Mr Enyan said all MBC employees would be paid their outstanding benefits, leave pay, repatriation entitlements, a 13th month cheque and would receive a food parcel in December.   He added that MBC employees can verify their entitlements through the main MBC office, and expect their payments to their bank accounts as per usual.   “We have a responsibility, not only to the people employed by the mine but also to the broader Obuasi community, to ensure that the decisions we take are in the interests of Obuasi’ s long term viability.   GNA... Read Full Story