Workers Strike At World's Largest Platinum Mines

(RTTNews) - Workers have gone on strike at the world's largest platinum mines, grinding production of the precious metal to a near halt in South Africa.

Up to 100,000 members of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) at Anglo American Platinum (Amplats), Impala Platinum (Implats) and Lonmin, the three largest producers, haven't clocked in for duty, union officials tell South Africa's Mail and Guardian newspaper.

It is estimated that 70 percent of global platinum output will be disrupted by the indefinite work stoppage. Still, platinum prices, which are down about 20 percent from three years ago, are little changed in Thursday's session.

Employees have long complained about working conditions and wages in the African mining industries. 44 workers were killed in deadly clashed with police at South African mines back in 2012.

The workers want the mining companies to more than double entry-level salaries to 12,500 rand ($1,150), according to various reports.

Union members have gathered at a nearby stadium, but no incidents of violence have been reported thus far today. South African law now prohibits workers from carrying knives and other weapons at demonstrations.

Anglo American Platinum, Impala Platinum and Lonmin issued a joint statement earlier this week, claiming they could not afford the wage increases demanded by the workers.

They companies say they have offered smaller raises above the current South African inflation rate.

"AMCU's current wage increases are unaffordable and unrealistic. It is of great concern to the platinum companies that employees are being made promises by AMCU that cannot be delivered upon. Strike action will not only hurt the platinum industry but will be to the detriment of employees and their families, to communities, and to the country as a whole," the platinum companies wrote Monday.