Deal with striking platinum miners reached 'in principle'

Workers at platinum mines have been on strike since January and now it seems the strike may finally be over. Image: Flickr

Mining companies Amplats, Implats and Lonmin said that undertakings had been reached with the leadership of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) in respect of wages and conditions of employment.

Amcu is expected to discuss the 'in principle' undertakings with its members and seek a mandate to accept offers which, if given, will bring to an end 21-week long strike.

The mines said they will receive feedback from Amcu on Friday (13 June).

Amcu members downed tools on 23 January, demanding a basic monthly salary of R12 500.

The strike has reportedly cost platinum producers R21bn in lost revenue and workers more than R1bn in lost wages.

The Minister of Mineral Resources, Ngoako Ramatlhodi, announced the withdrawal of an inter-governmental task team established to mediate in the wage dispute and exert pressure on platinum producers and Amcu to reach an agreement.

The task team was set up two weeks ago, following the appointment of the new minister.