Eastern Platinum denies strike reports

Eastern Platinum has moved to quash rumours of a strike at its Crocodile River Mine (CRM) in South Africa.

The firm issued a warning to journalists and analysts, saying "erroneous statements...might cause disruption to operations or possibly inflame an already volatile situation in South Africa, as well as contribute to misinformation on the market".

It said mining operations at CRM were unaffected by the recent tragic events that occurred at Lonmin's Marikana mine, where more than 30 people were killed when police opened fire on strikers armed with clubs and machetes.

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A pay dispute at the mine had been exacerbated by tensions between rival trade unions, the National Union of Mineworkers and the recently-formed Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union.

"These work stoppages do not refer in any way to Eastplats' CRM operations," the company said.

"The company respectfully suggests that commentators validate their sources and confirm such reports with the company prior to making erroneous statements," it added.

EastPlats was hit by strikes in October last year after a dispute between one of its contractors, JIC Mining Services, and the National Union of Mineworkers.

That strike, which was reported to be peaceful, cut production in half.