African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) is temporarily shutting down all of its South African mines in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
The company’s iron and nickel mines—Khumani, Beeshoek, Black Rock, Nkomati—will not be operation for the duration of South Africa’s lockdown. Activities at the Machadodorp nickel mine have also been suspended, while Cato Ridge Works has shut down its furnaces and converters. The company has implemented regular care and maintenance programs at all of the mines to ensure safe and fast operational resumption when the nationwide lockdown is lifted.
ARM’s coal operations—essential for generating power in South Africa—also supply Eskom, which remains operational through the lockdown. However, coal exports must be approved by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy and are contingent on rail capacity being available.
The company has stated it’s in a strong financial position to weather the storm and that it should remain sustainable in the long run.