Industrial action at Aquarius Platinum's Kroondal and Marikana mines has resulted in a drop in output of attributable platinum group metals (pgms) of 4,700 ounces, the mining company has announced.

The firm also revealed that its dispute with mining unions has now been resolved and that normal operations resumed on Monday's night shift.

The strike had escalated last week when the firm's main contractor sacked 3,250 workers when they called an unprotected strike over pay and the dismissal of 108 load-haul dumper operators in March.

However, an agreement between the National Union of Mineworkers and Murray & Roberts Cementation means those workers who had been fired are in the process of being re-employed.

During the first quarter the Kroondal mine produced 102,079 ounces of pgms, with around 50 per cent attributable to Aquarius.

Meanwhile, the Marikana operation produced 30,148 ounces of pgms in the same period, with half going to Aquarius' pool and share partners Anglo Platinum.

Throughout the strike, production at Aquarius' Everest mine has continued as normal.

Sources:

Contract workers strike cost Aquarius 4 700 oz PGM, 24/07/07
http://www.miningweekly.co.za/article.php?a_id=113235

UPDATE 1-Aquarius Platinum strike over, lost 4,700 oz output, 24/07/07 http://investing.reuters.co.uk/news/articleinvesting.aspx?type=allBreakingNews&storyID=2007-07-24T071852Z_01_L24688619_RTRIDST_0_AQUARIUS-STRIKE-UPDATE-1.XML


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