SOUTH Africa’s Anglo-American Platinum Corporation (Amplats) says production at the world’s biggest platinum producer has been unaffected by a strike that started this week. The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) said its work stoppage was gaining momentum with around 10000 members off the job since Monday night. An Amplats spokesman said only 5500 workers out of a total workforce of 41500 had gone on strike and had no significant impact on production so far, but NUM Deputy General Secretary Archie Palane accused management of playing down the effects of the strike, which started after wage talks failed. Amplats has offered the NUM an 8% wage increase, rising to 9% in 2001. The NUM is demanding a 10% increase and better working conditions. – Reuters