The Minerals Council South Africa is ringing alarm bells over the threat posed to employment and production in the gold and platinum sectors as a result of recently approved electricity tariff increases, including the 13.8% hike to be implemented from April 1. In addition, the council is warning that the hikes will accelerate the State-owned utility’s own downward spiral as mines and smelters, which currently consumes 30% of Eskom’s yearly production, respond by closing unprofitable operations.