More than 2,200 workers are entering the third day of their protest 500 meters underground
More than 2,000 miners are continuing their protest after taking over a facility in South Africa, demanding bonuses and pension payments. The site is owned by one of the world’s largest platinum miners, Impala Platinum Holdings.
The protest by workers at the Bafokeng Rasimone Platinum Mine near the city of Rustenburg began on Monday. According to reports, 2,205 miners were initially located around 500 meters underground and refused to move.
Impala Platinum Holdings, also known as Implats, has suspended operations at the mine and has branded the protest illegal.
According to Implats, 167 protesters had returned to the surface by Tuesday night after enduring harsh conditions, and were taken away in ambulances.
One of the protesters, Mzimase Bandli, said he was “freezing to death down there,” also complaining of an intense headache and a lack of food and water.
The company has warned it will take action against any employees who “engage in illegal conduct and criminal acts.”
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