South Africa mine workers burn Lonmin offer

[September 18, 2012]  MARIKANA, South Africa (AP) -- Platinum miners in the fifth week of a deadly strike burn the latest wage offer from Lonmin PLC, angry that it falls far short of demands for a monthly take-home pay of 12,500 rand ($1,560).

Thousands of strikers gathered Tuesday at the Lonmin mine stadium to discuss a new wage offer as government-brokered negotiations resumed in nearby Mooinooi town.

Workers lit bonfires of leaflets that explained the offer to increase monthly pay for rock drill operators from R9,063 ($1,133) to R10,938 ($1,367). Lonmin also offered a R1,500 ($180) bonus to miners who return to work Wednesday.

Meanwhile Anglo American Platinum takes advantage of a police crackdown, saying it resumed operations Tuesday at four mines. It was impossible to confirm that.

The strike has hit eight gold, platinum and chrome mines.

[Associated Press]

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