The National Union of Mineworkers in South Africa reported that two of its workers were killed as they reported for work to a mine owned by Lonmin today. The deaths are tragic and may stall the coalition of platinum mining companies and the unions? expected agreement. The union has taken a strong stance for the safety of its workers in addition to the demands for better pay and working conditions. Although a vote on the actual agreement is yet to take place, about 12% of workers in mines owned by Lonmin have returned to work, compared with a little over 9% more than a week ago. The current strike is the longest and costliest in South Africa?s history of mining, it has significantly diminished the world?s platinum supply already and has had a prolonged impact on the South African Economy.
See "Two workers killed at Lonmin mine in South Africa: union", Ed Stoddard, Reuters, May 11, 2014