Miningmx reports that platinum producer Lonmin has lost about R40m in revenue following week-long community disruptions at its Marikana operation in which damage to property and intimidation of employees were reported.
Among the violence perpetrated is the destruction of a bus which was part of a fleet used in an R800m transportation contract provided to the Bapo community. The company was granted a court interdict on 5 May which it said was followed by “fruitful” discussions on 9 May at which community representatives had agreed to desist from protests such as barricading roads. The parties had also agreed to set down terms of engagement for the future. However, unlawful protests kicked off again after a follow-up meeting in which the Bapo delegation submitted new demands for the creation of 1,000 permanent jobs and 500 cadet placements at Lonmin for community members. “These demands are not realistic in the current economic climate and cannot be acceded to without threatening the sustainability of the business,” said Lonmin in a statement.
- Read this report by David McKay in full at Miningmx
- See too, Lonmin woes continue as community disrupts work, on page 7 of Sowetan of 11 May 2017
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