10 June 2021 - 11:40 Glencore fell out with Eskom when it sought to have the coal price increased threefold in 2015. Stock photo. Image: 123RF/adam88x
Former CEO at Optimum Coal Holdings, the holding company of Optimum Coal Mine an erstwhile coal supplier at Eskom Clinton Ephron, on Thursday dismissed allegations that Glencore used President Cyril Ramaphosa to strong-arm Eskom over an increase of the coal price.
Ephron is appearing at the state capture inquiry to respond to allegations against Glencore made by former Eskom executives Matshela Koko and Brian Molefe.
Koko and Molefe told the Zondo commission that the nexus of the collapse of the coal supply agreement between Eskom and Optimum was that Glencore, when it acquired Optimum, had not done due diligence because it counted on Ramaphosa to be a shield in getting its way with Eskom.
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