OREANDA-NEWS.  Anglo American Platinum confirms that approximately 2,300 employees staged an underground sit-in at its Dishaba Mine from 5am on Saturday 9 November. All employees were brought safely to surface on Sunday night 10 November. No production has been lost as this was a “make safe” shift following a DMR Section 54 notice served on the mine.

The employees were demanding that the suspension of an AMCU shop steward be lifted. The AMCU shop steward was suspended pending an enquiry for breach of safety regulations which is against the company's Behavioural Procedure and in contravention of our Zero Harm objective.

Anglo American Platinum's management and the union leadership were involved in engagements throughout the weekend to resolve the situation and ensure the safe evacuation of employees from underground.

Employees will return to work for night shift tonight.

We would like to thank our partners, the labour unions, and the Department of Mineral Resources, for working diligently with us to ensure that all employees were brought to surface safely.

Chris Griffith, CEO of Anglo American Platinum, said “The Company encourages employees to raise concerns through relevant channels available and to refrain from participating in illegal activities. We will not negotiate with employees engaged in illegal activity especially behaviour and activity that endangers the lives of their fellow workers. Strong action will be taken against those who instigate this type of behaviour and activity”.