Eastern Platinum (Eastplats) said full mining operations have resumed at the Crocodile River Mine (CRM) following "illegal" industrial action.

The miner estimated that second quarter production will be down by approximately 7,000 platinum group metal ounces as a result of the strikes.

Eastplats said a two-year wage agreement has been reached with the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) following "extensive negotiations".

Operations at CRM are returning to normal following what Eastplats said was an "illegal sit-in" carried out by 155 employees, as well a strike by a further 480 workers that resulted in disrupted production at the Zandfontein and Maroelabult sections at CRM.

All employees at the mine, except for 155 who will face disciplinary action, returned to work on Friday May 20th.

The two-year wage deal represents an effective increase in cost to the company of approximately ten per cent year-on-year.

Eastplasts said in a statement that it is "very pleased to have reached an agreement on wages, benefits and other production related issues and recognises the efforts of both CRM management and NUM leadership on the outcome achieved".

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UPDATE 1-Eastplats says ops resume at S.Africa mine (24/05/11)

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