[miningmx] — LONMIN’S share price inched down further on Tuesday as the
company reported attendance figures of 8% – fewer than one in 12 of the group’s
28,000 workers.
“We understand that employees are waiting for the environment to be safe before
returning to work,’ the company said in a statement. “There are unsubstantiated
reports of intimidation in two mining areas around Karee Mine this morning, [but]
no incidents of violence have been reported.’
The group is banking on the outcome of a “Peace Accord’ meeting, scheduled for
Wednesday, to persuade its employees to return to work. The meeting would be
brokered by Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant and attended by unions, management
and other worker representatives.
“The signing of a Peace Accord is considered the first step of the resolution process,
and will provide all parties with a framework within which agenda items – such as
wages – can be discussed,’ the group said.
Lonmin’s operations have been idle since August 10 when an unprotected strike by
around 3,000 rock drill operators set in motion a series of events that culminated in
the death of 44 mineworkers and policemen in violence-related incidents.
The group’s shares were trading at R83.59, down 1.09% since the start of trade, on
Tuesday afternoon.
