Impala Platinum (Implats) says it has started sacking workers involved in illegal strike action at its Rustenburg operations in South Africa, which is costing the firm 3,000 platinum group metal (pgm) ounces per day in lost output.

The primary platinum producer warned the 5,000 rock drill operators that it would commence dismissal procedures if they failed to show up for work today (January 24th).

Implats said the striking workers, who began their action on Friday over salary grievances, "have failed to report for duty this morning".

"As the strike has been declared illegal the company has started dismissing these employees," the miner said in a statement.

A spokesman for Implats told Reuters yesterday that the miner is losing 3,000 pgm ounces per day in output as a result of the Rustenburg industrial action.

Sources:

Implats says Rustenburg strike illegal, to fire workers (24/01/12)

Implats says 5,000 workers on strike at Rustenburg (23/01/12)

Implats says losing 3,000 oz per day at Rustenburg (23/01/12)

© Adfero Ltd