Officials at Anglo American Platinum Ltd. (Amplats) have confirmed their Rustenburg, Union and Amandelbult mining operations have resumed after employees returned to work as talks with union officials continue. Company officials said the resumption followed an illegal work stoppage—leading to a loss of 3,886 oz of platinum—after a February incident at Siphumelele in Rustenburg in which 15 employees sustained injuries.
Amplats officials say they are engaged in discussions with South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources, its Chamber of Mines and organized labor representatives to ensure safety for its employees across the platinum industry. Anglo American Platinum and Department of Mineral Resources officials, meanwhile, have also extended bilateral talks with organized labor (NUM, AMCU, NUMSA and UASA) for a further 30 days.
“We have made progress and have had constructive discussions with our stakeholders.” However, “we will continue to engage constructively with all of our stakeholders and will communicate progress updates as and when appropriate,” said Amplats CEO Chris Griffith.
