Miners on strike at Marikana platinum mine in South Africa

Miners at the Marikana platinum mine in South Africa went on strike on Tuesday over the retrenching threats by their company. The platinum producing giant Lonmin announced: "None of its mining workforce went underground at the Marikana mine this morning and no mining is currently taking place." It was reported that about 10,000 miners were involved in the strike. Miners also protested over the killing of the official of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union Mawethu Steven, who was shot dead on Saturday. " While this is an uncertain and evolving situation, management is in discussions with our recognized trade unions to ascertain the reasons for the stoppage and to encourage workers to return to work," said Lonmin in a statement. The trade unions representing the mine workers are opposed to the retrenchment. On August 16, 2012, 34 miners at the Lonmin's Marikana platinum mine were shot dead by police when they engaged in violent strikes over salaries. 10 people including two policemen died in the preceding week, bringing the total death number to 44 people at the mine. The South African government is currently engaging the mine management and the unions to save the jobs. The retrenchment came at the time when the mine company said they are not making more profits from the platinum in South Africa.