More bad news for the platinum industry. Rock drillers at the Royal Bafokeng platinum mine, close to Lonmin mines, have also begun to gather in protest against their wages. The group of 600 miners gathered outside the Royal Bafokeng mine to demand better wages for their work.

The protest is currently considered to be peaceful, with the workers singing and chanting outside the mine. The group of workers seems to be limited to only one shaft of the mine. Royal Bafokeng spokesperson, Kea Kalebe, is quoted in the Mail and Guardian as saying the following:

We are still trying to establish the facts, the situation is calm, they were singing and we are obviously monitoring the situation.

The striking workers are also asking for a wage increase to R12 500 a month, telling reporters on the scene that they are currently only making about R4 000 a month. Business Day has reported that miners at Anglo Platinum’s Thembelani mine are also making similar demands.

No violence has been reported.

[Source: M&G]