Johannesburg - Impala Platinum (Implats) [JSE:IMP] shut all its South African operations on Wednesday, a day before a planned strike over wages across the country's platinum belt by the Association of Mineworkers and Construction union (Amcu).
Amcu, the platinum industry's main trade union, plans to strike from Thursday at Implats, Anglo Platinum (Amplats) [JSE:AMS] and Lonmin [JSE:LON], the top three producers of the metal used in emissions-capping catalytic converters in cars.
Around 100 000 workers or a fifth of South Africa's mining labour force could down tools or be prevented from crossing picket lines in a stoppage that would hit over half of global platinum production.
However, Implats said it was closing all operations from its mines, processing units and smelter ahead of Thursday's strike to ensure the safety of its employees.
"We have also deployed additional security measures," spokesperson Johan Theron said, adding those reporting for work during the strike would be paid even if the mines were shut.
Amplats and Lonmin said they would stop operations with the morning shift on Thursday.
Police said officers would be deployed to the platinum belt to ensure the strikes were peaceful, a necessary precaution after a protracted and bloody turf war in 2012 and 2013 between Amcu and the rival National Union of Mineworkers (NUM).
The chief executives of the three affected platinum producers said on Tuesday the industry could ill-afford further production and job losses, noting they had lost a combined 879 400 ounces of output to labour stoppages in 2012 and 2013.
Amplats said on Wednesday it swung back into profit in 2013 as it rebounded from a wave of wildcat strikes but its recovery is again threatened by this week's looming industrial action.
The government, lead by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, has offered to mediate to try to end the dispute, which threatens South Africa's already struggling economy.
"The three platinum producers have all accepted, so they are willing to come together in one room to have one negotiating team," Motlanthe spokesman Thabo Masebe said. "Amcu did indicate that in principle they are willing to negotiate."