Zimbabwe is struggling with a major strike in its platinum sector as the industry continues to experience wage disputes across the south of Africa.

The Zimbabwean Chamber of Mines said that as may as 25,000 workers were on strike, equivalent to around half of the total workforce.

Doug Verden, an executive at the Chamber of Mines, told Reuters that the impact of the strikes had not yet been felt, but stressed that the stoppage posed a serious problem for the industry.

He commented: "The strike started on October 7 and has escalated since then. We believe it's now about 25,000, half the labour force.

"We are working to resolve the situation. We are still trying to establish how many mines are affected and the impact on production."

Zimbabwe Platinum Mines (Zimplats) said that it had seen its Makwiro platinum mines suffer from stoppages, which it claimed were illegal.

The platinum firm said that the strike took place while wage negotiations were still continuing, which is against Zimbabwean law.

A number of mining outfits have operations in Zimbabwe which has become a key centre for platinum production in recent years.

Elsewhere South African platinum firm Implats today saw its strike brought to an end, although world number one pgm miner Angloplat is still suffering from stoppages, as the industry continues to suffer.