RUSTENBURG (miningweekly.com) – Embattled platinum-group metals miner Lonmin has confirmed that mineworkers at the Saffy and Newman shafts did not go underground on Tuesday morning, demanding that Lonmin close National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) offices located near these shafts.

Lonmin executive VP mining Mark Munroe noted that the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union’s (AMCU’s) primary complaint was that the NUM’s Lonmin offices were too close to its own offices.

He confirmed that AMCU currently had the majority representation at Lonmin, though the exact number of members fluctuated.

“We will not close the NUM offices because the peace accord allows for all-inclusive negotiations,” processing division executive VP Natascha Viljoen said in a statement to the press.

Lonmin management were expected to meet with union representatives on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the matter.

The mining company stated it had been in discussions with its labour unions about a new recognition dispensation that promotes industrial democracy and inclusivity. This dispensation would give an appropriate voice in recognition arrangements to all Lonmin unions.

"Within this context, the majority union must be rightly recognised in a system that promotes inclusive representation. Discussions on a new recognition dispensation are ongoing and, therefore, we do not yet have a new recognition agreement in place.

"Lonmin is all too aware of the dangers of a majoritarian recognition system and is in ongoing consultation with unions over this and related matters. This is a complex issue, and we encourage worker representatives to act responsibly and within the framework of labour legislation and the recent industry peace accord. We believe that expediency should not trump a collaborative, consensual, if difficult process, of developing a new recognition model based on inclusivity and workplace democracy," the company added in a statement.

Lonmin said it was committed to upholding the principles of the peace accord, adding that it had, therefore, engaged the employees who were calling for the removal of the NUM. It had also informed the departments of Mineral Resources Labour about the situation.

Viljoen confirmed that, while the illegal work stoppage was peaceful, the more than 6 000 affected workers would not resume work on Tuesday, resulting in a day’s lost production.

The Saffy shaft produced about 501 saleable platinum-group metal (PGM) ounces per shift and the Newman shaft about 42 saleable PGM ounces per shift.

Lonmin confirmed that 2 150 Lonmin employees and 271 contractors from the Newman shaft were participating in the illegal stoppage, while 3 360 Lonmin employees and 367 contractors at Saffy shaft had downed tools.

Munroe said the work stoppage was a sign that Lonmin needed to review the peace accord, adding that he was disappointed with the action, as the peace accord was signed recently.

“We are now engaging with the parties at the Lonmin Process Division and will engage with them to find a solution to the problem to see how we can solve these demands,” he said.

He reiterated that talks would start with a strong consideration for the peace accord, in terms of which all parties agreed that they would generally strive to seek peace and amicable solutions.

“Obviously withholding labour like this makes this illegal and the company will reserve its rights in this regard.

“It’s clear that there are still significant challenges that need to be faced in the mining industry,” said Munroe.

He believed the event was purposely orchestrated to coincide with a planned media visit to the Saffy shaft on Tuesday.

“Initial indications show that they were trying to get the media’s attention. There was really no prior indication that this was going to happen – I received no letters from AMCU.

“These demands and the way they are being voiced is contrary to the peace accord and it’s illegal – there was no strike notice and they did not undergo the proper notification processes.

“They’ve taken advantage of the opportunity and they’ve been heard,” added Lonmin spokesperson Sue Vey.