JOHANNESBURG — Northam Platinum has, to date, lost a total of 165kg, or 5 300oz, of metal-in-concentrate production, along with lost revenues of R62,7 million, as a result of a continued strike by rock drill operators at its Zondereinde mine.
miningweekly.com
The company advised on Tuesday that despite the issuance of an ultimatum on Monday that the rock drill operators return to work, they failed to resume their duties.
The company would now follow due process, which could result in the dismissal of the affected employees.
The rock drill operators had downed tools on April 4, demanding a 38% increase in their monthly production bonuses.
A consultative forum that was constituted by mine management was continuing engagements with employee representatives to resolve the situation.
Northam cautioned that the protracted interruption in drilling operations had had a detrimental effect on underground working conditions, which could pose a safety risk, and which could deteriorate further if normal operations were not resumed expedit
