The activities of the Sanbrado Mining Company (SOMISA) have been at a standstill since 8 March 2023 following a workers’ strike. The meeting between the high commissioner of the Ganzourgou province and the workers on the evening of 15 March 2023 did not lead to a solution to the crisis. A final meeting was held in Ouagadougou on 16 March 2023, which was seen as the last chance. Could it allow for a restart of activities in a short time, if all actors agree?
SOMISA is operated by West African Resources.
It all started with a strike by workers on 12 and 14 January 2023. Following this movement, the workers, represented by their delegates, signed a conciliation report with the SOMISA mine administration at the regional labour office in Ziniaré.
The failure to respect these protocols was the main cause of the blockage of activities.
But the last straw was the termination of the contract of the General Delegate before the end of his contract.
The management of the mine is sticking to its guns despite mediation by a delegation from the Ministry of Mines and the regional labour directorate last week.
The traditional chiefs of Boubry, where the mine is located, have also become involved. They are demanding that the mine respect the commitments made in order to facilitate the resumption of work.
Before the blockade is lifted, the workers are demanding the immediate and unconditional return of the dismissed delegate, the signing of open-ended contracts for all staff, a minimum of five years’ guarantee, without reprisals, for all staff and the immediate departure of Solène Magalahes from the Human Resources Department, Vincent Morel, the National Director, Luke Holden, Director of Operations, and Brad Tuddenham, Superintendent of Process.
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