Angloplat says no impact from smelter strike

03 Sep 2007 19:03 - Staff Reporter

A strike by some workers at Angloplat refineries and smelter has not curbed output, the world's biggest platinum producer said on Tuesday. Other employees were still on the job after 1 500 members of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) downed tools

A strike by some workers at Angloplat refineries and smelter has not curbed output, the world’s biggest platinum producer said on Tuesday.

Other employees were still on the job after 1 500 members of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) downed tools, Angloplat spokesperson Simon Tebele said.

“There has been no effect [on production],” he said.

Workers launched the strike on Monday at Angloplat’s Waterval smelter and the precious and base metals refineries in Rustenburg, Tebele said.

Numsa represents a portion of workers at the facilities, but the number of total employees was not immediately available, he added.

Numsa said Angloplat had reneged on a wage deal the two sides had forged with government mediators.

Angloplat has agreed a two-year wage pact with another trade union, the National Union of Mineworkers, and hopes to conclude as deal with Numsa soon, Tebele added.

Anglo Platinum, majority owned by mining giant Anglo American, accounts for around 40% of global platinum production.

Angloplat shares rose 3,85% to R1 011,50 by 10.50am GMT, outperforming a slightly weaker Top-40 index. - Reuters