Illegal industrial action at the Two Rivers platinum mine in South Africa came to an end last night (January 21st), it has been confirmed.

Earlier this week, more than 50 workers were reported to be holding a wage protest at the underground section of the facility, which is located in Mpumalana province.

However, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) announced that the stand-off has now concluded, albeit with the help of intervention from the police.

Spokesman Lesiba Seshoka told Reuters that he expects production to be "back to normal", while supplies were not affected as stockpiles were used to cover the deficit.

The NUM originally claimed that its members at the mine - which is a joint venture between Impala Platinum and African Rainbow Minerals - were being held underground in a hostage situation.

This suggestion was strongly denied by another union with workers at Two Rivers, the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union.

Meanwhile, Mr Seshoka also confirmed that another similar protest at Anooraq Resources' Bokoni platinum mine, again as a result of a police interdict being issued.

He informed the news provider that the NUM will now hold discussions with workers and mine management in order to thrash out solutions to the disputes.

Source:

Sit-ins end at two S.Africa platinum mines: union (22/01/10)

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