Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) has extended its deadline for workers to return for duty until Monday, it said in a statement issued on Friday.This follows the closure of five of its mines in the Rustenburg area last week because of threats of violence and intimidation of its workers.
The five Rustenburg operations are at Khuseseleka, Bathopele, Thembelani, Khomanani and Siphumelele. The five shafts employ about 26,000 workers and account for around 2,100 ounces in daily production.
On Thursday Amplats said very few workers reported for duty at four of its Rustenburg mines after the company planned to resume operations on Tuesday.
“As announced on Wednesday 19 September, the current industrial action is illegal and Anglo American Platinum has given notice to its employees that they are required to return to work,” the company said.
Sapa reported on Friday that the situation remained tense at Sondela, near Amplats’ Jabula shaft. Roads were still barricaded with stones and residents burnt down hawkers’ stalls.
