Platinum miner Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) says it will create other job opportunities following its announcement earlier this week that the jobs of up to 14 000 mineworkers are in jeopardy as a result of the losses it suffered last year.

South African finance minister Pravin Gordhan said on Wednesday, 23 January at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that he had no immediate plans for new mining taxes, but that the matter would be kept under review.

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has welcomed the decision by mining giant, Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) to suspend the retrenchment of up to 14 000 workers by 60 days.

There is no denying that Africa offers compelling business opportunities as investors flood to the continent, which is said to be the final frontier of natural resources. 

The Competition Tribunal has conditionally approved the merger between Glencore International plc and Xstrata plc, which means the merger may be implemented in South Africa.