Marikana miners intimidated by protestors; Platinum prices soar

The situation in Marikana is still unstable, with miners who are trying to return to work being intimidated. Worker turnout has been low, and there is still a heavy police presence. According to the BBC only 13 per cent of workers have turned up for work today, a steep drop from the 57 per cent over the weekend and 30 per cent last week. The intimidation is yet another roadblock in the way of Lonmin's continued attempts to restart its platinum mine in Marikana. With work at a virtual standstill, the price of platinum has jumped in global markets and is expected to remain high until the situation is resolved. A Lonmin spokesperson made a statement to the BBC saying, “Employees are waiting for the environment to be safe. Groups of people are walking around intimidating people who come onto the property." The workers began striking earlier this month looking for better pay and conditions. The situation has worsened and has now developed into a dispute between labour unions. The Lonmin mine at Marikana has become known recently as the place of the 'Marikana Massacre' where 34 workers were shot dead by police. Investigations into the shooting are ongoing. In a press release, acting CEO Simon Scott said "It is clear that everyone involved wants to move forward. We are dealing with tragic and challenging issues, and will be for a long time to come, but for the sake of the Company, its many thousands of employees and the industry which supports them we need to find a sustainable peace accord which allows people to return to a working business. That we are committed to doing in the coming days." A representative at Lonmin was unavailable for comment on this story