[miningmx.com] – LONMIN, the UK-listed platinum group metals (PGM) producer said it had suffered cable theft during the five-and-a-half month strike, but the problems had since been resolved.
Asked to verify several images forwarded to Miningmx showing bundles of copper cable collected underground, Lonmin spokesperson, Sue Vey, said: “Yes, these are pictures from cable theft at Lonmin. We had quite few incidents during the strike, but [they are] likely resolved now”.
Lonmin is due to report its third quarter operational and financial figures on July 25 in which it is expected to detail plans to ramp up platinum production at its Rustenburg facilities. It is thought Lonmin’s ramp-up has been slower than initially expected.
Unlike Anglo American Platinum, which reported better than expected interim figures earlier this week, Lonmin’s facilities were entirely affected by the strike action in which the Association of Mineworkers & Construction Union (AMCU) fought for a R12,500 per month basic salary for entry level workers.
According to estimates, the cost to company of the agreed wage increase was between 11% to 12% on aggregate for Amplats, Lonmin and Impala Platinum.
Copper cable bundled and ready for moving out of the mine although in this case, the cables were too heavy to remove and two thieves were caught and cuffed.
This image shows access to mine area through an illegal tunnel.
This image shows equipment used for the theft that was being stored underground.
