The workers assigned to the coal extraction operations sector at Moatize mine, in Tete province, say that Vulcan Mozambique mistreats its employees.

This group of workers, whose contracts have been concluded with Vale Mozambique, states that they have already provided services for Vulcan Mozambique in other projects, and, because of this experience, they do not want to see the transfer of their contracts to this firm of Indian origin. "It has a reputation for treating the worker badly."

The workers, who halted activities at the mine a few days ago, are demanding that Vale Mozambique compensate them so that they can enter into new contracts with Vulcan Mozambique.

"Vale should put the final point to the agreement it has with us and compensate us so that we can then decide whether or not we want to work with the new employer," one of the workers explained.

In a clarification note made public on Tuesday, the Indian company confirmed that a partial stoppage of operations by a group of workers assigned to the extraction section at the Moatize coal mine had occurred since the night of May 11.

Vulcan Mozambique acknowledges that the stoppage of activities has affected normal production. At this time it is not yet possible to account for the losses in financial terms.

A source connected to the company clarified that the "trespass" is a dangerous contractual modality for the worker, because there are those who have been with the company for several years and in case of dismissal, by the new employer, they run the risk of not having the period during which they were employed at the mining company recognized.

Brazilian mining company Vale recently completed the sale of its coal mining assets in the Moatize mines to India's Vulcan Minerals in a deal worth $270 million.