Samancor Manganese Joint Venture Announces Extended Closure of South African Mines

South32 (ASX:S32,LSE:S32) announced that its Samancor manganese joint venture’s South African mines will remain closed until the ongoing strategic review is completed.
As quoted in the press release:

Production was suspended following a fatality at the Mamatwan mine on 2 November 2015. As a major employer in the region, the planned reconfiguration of the Samancor Manganese mines in the Kalahari basin is required to secure their longer term viability in an increasingly competitive market. The current stakeholder consultation process is continuing and mining activity is likely to recommence in January 2016.
While production will be significantly impacted in the 2016 financial year, rail and customer commitments will be met by drawing down inventory during this period. A further update for the joint venture’s South African manganese mines and Metalloys smelter will be provided upon completion of the strategic review.

Click here to read the full South32 (ASX:S32,LSE:S32) press release.