Gold output hit by Aquarius strike

Metals mining firm Aquarius Platinum has announced that production at its Marikana mine in South Africa will be negatively affected by a strike.

The company, which has its primary mine in Kroondal, said that employees of underground contractor Murray & Roberts Cementation (MRC) began strike action on December 16th.

MRC subsequently dismissed all of the 1,300 workers operating at the Marikana mine's underground operations.

Aquarius admitted it now expects to lose about 250 ounces of gold, platinum, palladium and rhodium a day.

The firm said in a statement: "Aquarius Platinum South Africa has requested the parties to reach an agreement within the ambit of the legislative framework and expedite a return to work as soon as possible."

Other South African mines operated by the business include the Everest mine, while the firm also owns holdings in the Chromite Tailings Retreatment Programme and the Mimosa Platinum Mine in southern Zimbabwe.