Labour union UASA has concluded a two-year wage agreement with Kopanong gold mine, securing salary increases and living-out allowance hikes for workers at the operation situated between the North West and Free State provinces.

The agreement, effective from 1 July, applies to permanent Category 4 to 8 employees, including miners, artisans and officials. Surface and underground workers in these categories will receive a monthly salary increase of R1 000 in both the first and second years.

Miners and artisans will receive a 5% increase on the standard rate of pay in each year of the agreement. Lower-level officials will get the greater of R1 000 or 5%, while officials will receive a 5% increase on the standard rate in both years.

The living-out allowance for all employees within the bargaining unit will rise by R100 to R2 650 a month in the first year, and to R2 750 a month in the second year.

UASA said the negotiations were conducted constructively.

“The wage negotiations were challenging because the marginal size of the operation made it difficult to navigate a common ground between the employer and employees before reaching a conclusive agreement favouring both parties,” UASA operational manager Pine Pienaar said.

The union also acknowledged the cooperation demonstrated by Kopanong gold mine and other labour organisations during the talks, which contributed to a mutually beneficial outcome.

“UASA is pleased to be a part of rewarding negotiations given the current economic challenges many companies face, especially in mining,” UASA spokesperson Abigail Moyo said. “We welcome the agreement between organised labour and Kopanong Gold Mining as it will benefit our members and all workers employed by the mining house.”