Johannesburg, 25 March 2014: Anglo American Platinum (Amplats), Impala Platinum Holdings Limited (Implats) and Lonmin Plc (Lonmin) advise that while the companies remain open to discussions with the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) within a reasonable settlement zone, no talks are currently underway.
On behalf of the platinum producers, CEOs Chris Griffith, Terence Goodlace and Ben Magara said: "The extended strike on the platinum belt is unprecedented, and at a stage where some of its impacts are becoming irreparable. These impacts are not only on the companies, but also on employees, local businesses, suppliers and on communities.
"The financial cost - now close to R10 billion in revenue lost, and around R4.4 billion in earnings lost to employees - does not tell the full story. Mines and shafts are becoming unviable; people are hungry; children are not going to school; businesses are closing and crime in the platinum belt is increasing.
"Overwhelmingly, we are being told by employees that they wish to return to work, and we need to collectively find a way to ensure that they are able to exercise their right to do so.
"We note a number of AMCU assertions regarding various historical inequities of the mining industry. We believe that many steps have been taken towards remedying them over the years, but we also acknowledge that more needs to be done.
"The massive structural shift that AMCU appears to be seeking has consequences. Sadly, as the industry progresses towards greater mechanisation and higher skills levels, which are aligned with higher earnings and greater productivity, so the number of people employed in the industry will decrease. This has been evident in South Africa's coal sector and also in the more mechanised platinum operations on the Eastern Limb.
"We commit to an on-going dialogue with AMCU and other stakeholders in this regard.
"In respect of the 2013 wage negotiations, however, a settlement must be found for the sake of our companies, our employees, the sector as a whole and everyone adversely affected by the strike. We urge AMCU to return to the negotiating table ready to seek an affordable and sustainable solution."
Statement issued by Charmane Russell, Platinum Producers, March 25 2014
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