Metal workers trade union presses for absolute ban on scrap metal export

Metal Recycling News  |  2013-05-09 14:03:17   |   By

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has announced Thursday that it would press for a complete ban on scrap metal exports from the country to safeguard South African production

JOHANNESBURG (Scrap Monster) : The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has announced Thursday that it would press for a complete ban on scrap metal exports from the country to safeguard South African production.

The statement by the union heads comes in the midst of reports that the Economic Development Department of South Africa is seriously considering the issue of imposing strict controls on scrap metal exports from the country. The Economic Development Minister clarified that his government is not in support of complete prohibition of scrap exports but would initiate necessary actions to restrict the exports.

The Central Committee meeting of NUMSA held during early March this year had made the stance clear. Thursday’s statement reaffirms the stand, as per NUMSA.

Meanwhile, the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) has expressed deep concerns over the proposed government initiative to curb exports of the state. The ISRI Vice President had gone to the extent of writing an open letter addressing the South African government on the issue.

NUMSA, formed in 1987 by way of merger of five different unions, now is the biggest metal workers trade union in the country.