Miners at Aquarius Platinum are to go back to work after a deal was agreed between the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and contractor Murray & Roberts Cementation (MRC).

MRC's workers at Aquarius Platinum's operations downed tools last week in a dispute with the contractor over the dismissal of load haul dumper (LHD) operators and their bonus demands.

Despite a court interdict being ordered on Friday, the industrial action continued until the NUM stepped in to broker a deal and bring an end to the illegal strike.

Mining was to resume at 22:00 on Monday night at Aquarius' Kroondal and Marikana mines.

The strike had a damaging impact on production at the operations, with output reduced to 15 per cent at Kroondal and 60 per cent at Marikana.

The financial impact of the action has not yet been published and will be disclosed in a regulatory announcement from the company, a spokesperson for Aquarius stated.

Sources:
Aquarius Platinum workers due back on job Monday
14/05/07
http://africa.reuters.com/business/news/usnBAN442534.html

Contractor, union reach agreement to end platinum strike
14/05/07
http://www.miningweekly.co.za/article.php?a_id=109012

Aquarius Platinum workers due back at work tonight
14/05/07
http://www.mineweb.net/mineweb/view/mineweb/en/page504?oid=20902&sn=Detail

Ÿ Adfero Ltd