Implats advised stakeholders that the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) has issued a strike notice to Impala and that strike action will commence at its Rustenburg mining operation from the morning shift on Thursday 23 January 2014.

Impala and AMCU have been engaged in wage negotiations for more than six months. Despite progress in many areas, the parties have not reached agreement on wages and other conditions of employment.

Implats" recently signed a two-year wage agreement with the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), effective from July 2013, for the Marula and Refining operations. In accordance with this agreement, the minimum guaranteed remuneration for lower category workers will increase by 8.5% in year one and 7.5% in year two.

Implats" Mimosa, Zimplats, Marula, Two Rivers and Refining operations will not be affected by the impending strike action.

The company remains committed to further engagement and to finding a solution that will secure the sustainability of the business and preserve jobs as far as possible. Impala has taken all reasonable measures to prepare for a possible wage strike to ensure peace, order and stability.

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