Post date: Sep 20, 2012 1:34:33 PM
KHUSELANI SHAFT NEAR RUSTENBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (SEPTEMBER 20, 2012) (REUTERS) - The world's biggest platinum producer, Anglo American Platinum, has threatened legal action if wildcat strikers do not return to work on Thursday night (September 14).
World's biggest platinum producer threatens legal action if wildcat strikers don't return to work by Thursday's night shift.
Mine officials said South Africa's Khuselani shaft near Rustenburg was already under considerable economic pressure and any further delays would put at risk the long-term viability of the mine.
On Wednesday, police fired tear gas and stun grenades to disperse a crowd of men carrying spears and machetes at a squatter camp near an Amplats mine.
Last week, the government said it would no longer tolerate violence, threats, and intimidation in the mining sector.
At the weekend police cracked down on illegal gatherings and confiscated weapons from the miners.
Amplats workers are demanding a monthly salary of R16,070 and other changes to their fringe benefits.
South Africa's gold sector has also not been spared, with 15,000 miners at the KDC West operation of Gold Fields, the world's fourth largest bullion producer, on an illegal strike.
Economists said Lonmin, whose striking miners returned to work on Thursday (September 20), may have set a precedent for wage settlements that could spread through an economy already saddled with globally uncompetitive costs.