Aquarius Platinum revealed yesterday (27th August) that nearly 4,000 employees at its Kroondal and Marikana operations have been dismissed.

The world's fourth-largest platinum producer confirmed that the principal underground mining contractor at the two South African sites has released 3,900 members of staff.

A statement from the company noted that the move - which was carried out on Wednesday afternoon - could result in a loss of up to 15,000 oz pgm in production.

"[Aquarius] expects that production at the affected shafts will commence on Monday 31st August and will ramp up over a period of up to two weeks while further employees are engaged and deployed to these operations," read one section.

In addition, Aquarius stated that it "regrets this outcome", but also noted that the decision was carried out under the terms of the Labour Relations Act.

The company also announced that relining of the K2 mill is now underway and should be completed by 1st September.

Source:

Update : Unprotected industrial action by contractor employees at Kroondal and Marikana operations (27/08/09)

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