Many Horlock mining contract workers at the Ngezi project in Zimbabwe have returned to work following a labour dispute, the mine's owner announced yesterday.

Only 97 of 380 employees are continuing the dispute and refusing to return to work at the mine.

The announcement was made by mine owner Zimbabwe Platinum Mines, listed on the Australian stock exchange.

"Some mining activity has commenced in the pit, although certain areas remain critically short of skilled manpower," the company said.

"Efforts continue by Horlock Mining and by Zimbabwe Platinum Mines Ltd to address remaining issues as soon as possible so as to resume full production."

The companies involved also fear that slower production will have a detrimental impact on platinum sales, but concerns as yet remain unfounded.

"Transport and processing operations have continued using stockpiled ore, and sales haven't been significantly affected as yet," the Zimbabwe announcement said.

The announcement, however, failed to give details of the dispute or any concessions that may have been offered to employees to return to work.