Russian steelmaker Evraz has suspended operations of its steel and vanadium asset in South Africa following a strike which would hamper steady supplies of its main products.

Evraz said on Wednesday that it could not guarantee sustainability of supplies from its Highveld Steel and Vanadium mills after a strike on Monday, caused by cost reduction and labour force reorganisation.

In a statement, the company assured its public that it is “making every effort to meet its obligations to its suppliers and partners, but under the circumstances cannot fully guarantee the stability and continuity of Evraz Highveld’s product supplies.”

Russia’s largest steelmake, Evraz also indicated that the strike, which represents less than 1 percent of the company’s consolidated core earnings, will not affect financial results.

Evraz Highveld Steel is South Africa’s second-largest steel maker and the primary producer of medium and heavy structural sections and thick plate, with operations in the Steelworks at Emalahleni, Mpumalanga and Mapochs Mine at Roossenekal, Limpopo.