Mining Weekly writes that coal mining company Liberty Coal has confirmed that it will be extending the deadline for former Optimum Coal Mine (OCM) employees to submit their applications for reemployment. The company said on June 24 that this was part of its prioritisation of the reemployment of former employees who were retrenched by OCM, which remains in business rescue. The reemployment of previously employed individuals is in accordance with the OCM business rescue plan, which was adopted by 88% of OCM’s creditors in September 2020.

In April, Liberty announced various contact channels for employees who were retrenched by OCM during the mine’s business rescue process to submit their contact information and proof of employment to be prioritised for reemployment. The company emphasised that workers and contractors not directly employed by OCM in April 2019 do not fall within this category of ex-employees. The original window period for submission started on May 1 and closed on May 31. Liberty said it was in the process of verifying all information received and would, thereafter, contact all eligible employees to advise them of the next steps.

However, Liberty admitted that the message may not have reached everyone on time and had therefore granted a 30-day extension to allow for all previously retrenched employees of OCM to be party to the process. Liberty said that it aimed to continue engaging with all former OCM employees over the next two months. The company added that it would remain cognisant of the community’s needs, particularly where employment was concerned. However, it reiterated that the process to rehabilitate the mine and bring it back to full production would take time, and that additional employment opportunities would be advertised when they became available.

by Darren Parker