Striking Amcu agrees to govt mediated talks

Rustenburg - The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) has agreed to government mediation to end the crippling work stoppage at the world's top three platinum mines.

The strike kicked off on Thursday morning at Anglo Platinum (Amplats) [JSE:AMS], Impala Platinum (Implats) [JSE:IMP] and Lonmin [JSE:LON].

Amcu President Joseph Mathunjwa said the union "will be part of the negotiations" that are tentatively set for Friday.

"It's a mediation meeting between the unions and the mine owners," labour ministry spokesperson Musa Zondi told AFP.

The mining bosses have long been ready for any talks that could end the unrest in the key mining sector.

But the Amcu had previously said it wanted clearance from its members to be part of the talks, which it secured at a rally in Marikana earlier on Thursday.

Up to 80 000 platinum mine workers downed tools on Thursday demanding that entry-level wages be more than doubled to R12 500 per month.

Amplats CEO Chris Griffith said his company accepted the offer for "a government facilitated mediation process in order to find a resolution".

Lonmin CEO Ben Magara concurred on the need "to finding a positive and sustainable resolution to this dispute".