The assault, which left two other workers injured, underscores how far the company is from resolving a violent and illegal labour dispute that has already seen at least two other people killed and cost the world’s second largest platinum producer 80 000 ounces and counting in lost output.
“Another life has been lost when a mine contract worker was attacked this morning, he was a Zimbabwean national,” said police spokesman Thulani Ngubane. Ngubane said two other workers were also injured in the same attack in the early hours of the morning. Implats said at least six workers had been assaulted overnight during attacks directed at those wanting to work.
The disruptions at Implats’ Rustenburg operations, is a key reason behind a 23% spike in the spot price of the white metal in the year to date.The mine accounts for about 60% of Implats’ output.
— Reuters
