Fin24 writes that Anglo American has started cutting corporate and head office jobs across its global operations, as a slowing world economy damps demand for the commodities it mines.  The focus will be on corporate positions, after the company earlier this year split its business into two regional divisions, one covering the Americas and Africa and the other Australia. Anglo, one of the world’s biggest miners, started 60-day negotiations with workers in South Africa on Wednesday, a labour law requirement. Employees at its iron ore unit were among those informed. An Anglo spokesman confirmed the notices have been sent out in South Africa, but stressed that it’s a global process.

The company said in the letter it plans to simplify its structure, but expects “very little impact on its operations.” The consultation process with staff is expected to end on Oct. 17 and terminations may occur then. At Kumba Iron Ore 181 workers got notices and 141 jobs are expected to be cut, Livhuwani Mammburu, a spokesman for South Africa’s National Union of Mineworkers said. The cuts will be focused on the Anglo Emea Shared Services unit, which has 560 employees. Still, workers employed directly by Kumba and Anglo American Platinum will also be affected. Staff at diamond company De Beers won’t, Anglo said. The South African notice said employees would have the opportunity to apply for voluntary severance packages, or early retirement for those older than 55.

Ref: Bloomberg