Two labor unions called on South African government to intervene and come up with options that might avert the possible retrenchments of 6,000 workers in the gold mining sector.

The Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and Solidarity's call come after Sibanye-Stillwater on Thursday announced that the restructuring of its mines would lead to over 6,000 retrenchments.

Thousands of Mine workers affiliated to the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) gather at the Union Buildings on March 20, 2018 in Pretoria. [File Photo: AFP/PHILL MAGAKOE]

NUM's media officer Luphert Chilwane told Xinhua on Friday that they are pinning their hopes on upcoming consultations with Sibanye-Stillwater. "We hope that the consultations will avert retrenchments. There should be an alternative." Chilwane said.

Chilwane said labor unions are aware of problems confronting the gold sector. "Gold prices have been down. Some mines are old, but we call on Minerals Resources Department to intervene and come up with plans to revive these mines."

Gideon du Plessis, General Secretary at Solidarity union, also said loss making shafts must be revived.

"The Minerals Council of South Africa says 80 percent of gold mines are marginal, only 10 percent are making profits. The gold sector is under tremendous pressure," he told Xinhua. "We must do everything in our power to delay this ship from sinking."

Minerals Resources Department said the department will engage with all stakeholders and to explore all possible options to ensure many jobs are saved.

Sibanye-Stillwater, the largest gold producer in South Africa, blamed its financial losses for the looming job cuts. It is believed that the prolonged strike by members of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union since November last year has also exacerbated problems in the company.