JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Platinum miner Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) was losing 4 000 oz/d of platinum, resulting in a daily revenue loss of R100-million as a result of the industrial action at its Rustenburg, Union and Amandelbult operations, the company said on Friday.
The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) on Thursday started its strike for an entry-level wage of R12 500 at Amplats, Lonmin and Impala Platinum (Implats), with the miners confirming low attendance.
Amplats on Friday said the attendance rates at its affected operations remained low at 10%, while Implats on Thursday recorded 10% attendance.
Lonmin and Implats on Thursday stated that, during the strike, they expected to lose about 3 100 oz/d and 2 800 oz/d in platinum production respectively.
Amplats stated that the situation on the ground remained calm with sporadic disregard for the picketing rules by striking employees.
“The company has noted, with disappointment, and condemns the increase in incidences of violence and intimidation taking place around Rustenburg and surrounding communities,” the miner said.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) on Friday also stated that there had been reports of violent incidents breaking out near the platinum mine strikes.
Brigadier Thulane Ngubane said, in a statement, that roads had been barricaded and other incidents that were in “contravention of the law” were reported. However, AMCU general secretary Jimmy Gama denied the reports, stating that the strike was peaceful and no violent outbursts had been reported.
Trade union Uasa also said in a statement that its members in the platinum belt were being intimidated by AMCU to such an extent that a mere 11% succeeded in reaching their workplaces at Amplats, Implats and Lonmin.
“The remaining Uasa members employed by these mines were too afraid to go to work for a variety of reasons,” Uasa spokesperson Andre Venter said, adding that, should its members not be provided with a safe working environment, the union would have no option but to withdraw its members from the workplaces posing a safety risk.
AMCU and executives of the three platinum companies would on Monday resume the government-sponsored mediation talks started on Friday in an attempt to end the strike in the sector.