Striking miners at Northam Platinum's Thabazimbi mine are to return to work, according to a statement from the company, bringing an end to industrial action that cost Northam seven production days.

After Northam obtained an interdict ordering the miners to return to work, the company claims that the strike was called off following mediation with the National Union of Mineworkers on Monday.

However, following grievances aired by the miners who had complained over officials they perceived to be racist, an investigation and mediation procedure is to be launched into working practices at the mine.

This will then be followed by a drive to improve relations between the mine's management and its 5,500 miners.

Since the strike began on the 29th of April it is estimated that Northam Platinum has incurred losses of $84 million rand.

The miners had also expressed misgivings about the Thabazimbi mine's Chief Executive Officer's management, and had demanded that he was relocated.

Last year the mine produced a record 361 599 oz of platinum group metals.

Source: Strike called off at Northam: work to resume Tuesday night
08/05/07
http://www.northam.co.za/ir/media/2007/media_08may07.asp 

Northam strike over, says mine
08/05/07
http://www.andnetwork.com/index?service=direct/0/Home/older.titleStory&sp=l330180

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