Mining minister appeals for calm amid protests

Johannesburg - Mining minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi appealed for calm on Monday after saying protests around Steelpoort, on the eastern edge of the platinum belt, had disrupted mining operations in the area.

The mining industry has been rocked the past three years by periodic outbreaks of violence and labour unrest.

The minister did not name the operations disrupted by the protests but said in a statement that he would be visiting the area on Tuesday.

A spokesperson for African Rainbow Minerals, which operates the nearby Modikwa and Two Rivers Platinum mines, said the company was aware of protests in the vicinity but that its operations had not been impacted.

Other mining assets in the area include a chrome mine recently acquired by Assore.

There was no immediate comment from unions on the likely impact of the protests.