World Bank concerned over S African mine violence

Washington, 21 Aug – (ANA) - The International Finance Corp (IFC), the World Bank's private investment arm, said yesterday it was "deeply concerned" with violence at Lonmin's Marikana platinum mine in South Africa and urged parties to settle their differences through negotiation. IFC holds a 0.61 percent equity stake in London-based Lonmin Plc through an investment made in 2006. Lonmin accounts for 12 percent of global platinum output. Forty-four people have been killed at the Marikana mine, including more than 30 striking miners who were shot dead during a confrontation with police last week. The shooting was one of the bloodiest police actions seen since the end of apartheid in 1994. "The issues are serious and IFC encourages all parties to resolve the dispute through constructive dialogue and negotiation," IFC said in a statement. Meanwhile, South Africa’s mining giant Lonmin has dropped its threat to fire workers who failed to return to work after deadly clashes.  Its decision came after the government appealed to the firm to drop its ultimatum to sack workers if they failed to end their strike today. The South African parliament is due to debate the killings on Tuesday, amidst a national outcry. President Jacob Zuma has a declared a week of national mourning and has promised to appoint a commission of inquiry into the shooting. Mark Munroe, Lonmin's executive vice president, said firing thousands of workers would not necessarily ease tension. "I don't think it's going to contribute to a more stable environment if Lonmin goes out and puts deadlines and ultimatums and says we will fire everyone if no-one comes to work," he said. Lonmin said 33% of its 28,000-strong workforce showed up for work today, the South African Press Association reports. About 3,000 rock-drill operators walked out more than a week ago in support of demands for higher pay. The strike was declared illegal by Lonmin, the world's third-largest platinum producer, and the mine was shut. The miners, who are currently earning between 4,000 and 5,000 rand ($ 484-$ 605) a month, say they want their salary increased to 12,500 rand ($ 1,512). (ANA)

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