The Otjikoto B2Gold Mine, situated outside Otjiwarongo in the Otjozondjupa Region, on Tuesday, confirmed the suspension of its more than 160 workers, who allegedly took part in an illegal work stoppage at the mine. 

In a media statement issued Tuesday afternoon to Nampa, Otjikoto B2Gold Mine stated that the dispute is about the validity of the continuous operations permit that it renewed with the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation in January 2021. 

Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation Minister Utoni Nujoma say his Ministry is doing all it can to resolve a labour dispute at the B2Gold Namibia mine.

Delivering a ministerial statement in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Nujoma stressed that tripartite talks between the Ministry, the Mineworkers' Union (MUN) and the workers have already been held and more negotiations will continue to find a lasting solution to the impasse.

About 300 B2Gold workers are on suspension after failing to work late shifts after the continuous operation and exemption permits for the mine expired. 

The B2Gold Mine Workers Union branch has complained of expired continuous operation and exemption permits, which make it unlawful for employees to work night shifts.

As per instructions from the union's executive leadership at the mine, mining and processing plant department employees have only been working until 16H30 since October 1.

They were suspended after the company's permits were renewed.