South African mine sacks 12,000

South African mine sacks 12,000

Mining powerhouse Anglo American said Friday it had sacked 12,000 workers who went on strike at a South African platinum mine amid labour unrest that has killed at least six people in the past week.

Striking workers of Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) in Rustenburg on September 12. Anglo American on Friday announced it had sacked 12,000 workers at a South African platinum mine, amid a strike and labour unrest that has killed at least six people in the past week.

The firm said the miners had failed to appear before disciplinary hearings "and have therefore been dismissed in their absence."

The announcement came just hours after a worker was killed during clashes between police and striking miners.

"Despite the company's repeated calls for employees to return to work, we have continued to experience attendance levels of less than 20 percent," the firm said in a statement.

"Total lost platinum production has amounted to 39,000 ounces, resulting in approximately R700 million ($80 million, 60 million euro) of lost revenue."

Amplats had previously warned workers that if they failed to turn up to a hearing on Monday they would be sacked.

Despite the sackings, the firm said it was open to "exploring the possibility of bringing forward wage negotiations within our current agreements."

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