[6] In 2016, Kumba Iron Ore began the process of cutting nearly 4000 jobs in an attempt to restructure the Sishen mine and ensure profitability.

[9] The South African Department of Mineral Resources instead granted the rights to ICT, a hitherto unknown mining company with alleged political ties to the government.

[12] The final ruling was in favour of Kumba Iron Ore.[13] In 2015, despite being awarded the 21.4% stake by South African Department of Mineral Resources, Kumba again sought legal recourse due to conditions attached to the ruling.

[14] Kumba released a statement in October 2016 announcing their 100% ownership of Sishen mine.

[15] Kumba is expected to resume payments to shareholders in 2017 following a rise in iron ore price and employee cutbacks - Nearly 4,000 jobs were cut at Kumba's flagship Sishen Iron Ore mine in 2016.