Over 2000 Mine workers from Bafokeng Rasimone Mine have safely resurfaced but their sit-in may not go without consequences. Impala Platinum confirmed that 2250 miners resurfaced on Wednesday afternoon. The miners staged a sit-in on Monday protesting against the employee share scheme and pension funds, which they were entitled to before the mine was bought by Implats in July this year.

EVERYONE IS SAFE

Implats said it was glad that there were no dire safety incidents as the sit-in was held underground breaching safety regulations. "Implats is thankful for the support received during this protest action and the assistance provided in securing the safe return of our employees to the surface, and reiterates its commitment to constructive and mutually respectful employee engagement. Our focus now shifts to safely completing the planned operational shutdown at Impala Bafokeng ahead of the upcoming Christmas break, instituting required disciplinary processes, and securing the sustainability of the operation amid the low metal price environment," said Implats in a statement.

SECURITY

The 2,205 staged their sit-in on Monday demanding the immediate payment of pension funds after the mine's recent change of ownership. They were also protesting against tax deductions on bonus payments. Implats said the mineworkers were confused by the changes. "Several misinterpretations and misunderstandings were brought to the fore by the recent change in ownership at Impala Bafokeng. Obviously, we hope to have a better understanding once we're able to sit across the table and engage on the specifics. Whether this is just a ruse to something bigger or different, we don't know but we will know as soon as we are to engage with the union."