Aquarius Platinum South Africa said that it has lost 1,300 oz of platinum group metals after 42 load-haul-dumper operators stopped working in protest at the Everest Mine late on Wednesday May 28th.

The mining firm said this was followed on Thursday May 29th by the remainder of the underground workforce joining the strike in sympathy with their colleagues.

Notice was then given to employee representatives and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) to declare that striking workers should return to work on June 2nd.

Aquarius Platinum has also received a Labour Court interdict in support of this notice but reiterated its commitment to addressing the issues of the work force.

The firm said it will educate employees on the process of industrial engagement in line with South Africa's labour relations regime.

According to the firm, the disagreement stems from a lack of experience in collective bargaining among the work force.

Source:

Aquarius Platinum updates on strike action at Everest mine, 2/06/08
http://www.mineweb.com/mineweb/view/mineweb/en/page674?oid=53958&sn=Detail