[miningmx.com] – LONMIN would press ahead with plans to reopen mining operations on May 14 despite violence in which at least four people were killed and many injured, said Bloomberg News.
“Reconsidering the opening is not an option,’ Happy Nkhoma, a spokesman for the world’s third-largest platinum producer, told Bloomberg News. “What we need to make sure is that the employees are safe,’ he said.
Ben Magara, CEO of Lonmin, said the plan to return to work had “overwhelming support” from employees. “We are appealing for peace, we are appealing for tolerance,’ Magara said.
Lonmin and its counterparts, Anglo American Platinum and Impala Platinum called on the Association of Mineworkers & Construction Union yesterday (May 12) to guarantee the safety of its members who wanted to return to work.
AMCU’s strike has been underway since January 23 and is calling for a R12,500/month basic wage increase for all miners. The platinum firms have said the demands are untenable.
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