Aquarius Platinum (AQP) announced on Monday morning that mining operations at the group’s Kroondal Platinum Mine near Rustenburg in North West Province had resumed this morning.
The company temporarily suspended mining operations on Friday afternoon to ensure the safety and security of employees and assets given the rising tensions and protests within the regional workforce and communities.
Processing operations at Kroondal were not materially affected.
“Aquarius commends the South African Government and South African Police Services for its intervention and support over the week-end‚” the group said.
Anglo American Platinum (Amplats‚ AMS)‚ which was also forced to suspend its Rustenburg operations last Wednesday to protect the safety and security of its employees amid violent mine protests in the area‚ said earlier Monday it hoped to resume operations on Tuesday.
“The situation in Rustenburg remains calm and our current intention is to resume operations on Tuesday morning‚ 18 September‚ which will provide time for the government to implement further security measures. As we expect it will be possible for our employees to return to work safely on Tuesday‚ the paid suspension period will end on Monday evening‚” the group said in a statement.
Amplats CEO Chris Griffith said: “We wish to thank our employees for their support and co-operation during this challenging time and commend the government and our key local stakeholders in helping to restore calm to the Rustenburg area. We are encouraged that our employees will be able to return to work safely on Tuesday.”
He said management continued to monitor the situation closely and that the safety of employees remained a priority.
Further updates would be provided as appropriate‚ he added. - I-Net Bridge