The strike commenced at the end of December 1998 and it had no affect on refined production for the financial year ending on 31/12/98. As far as the 1999 financial year is concerned the affect of the strike is not expected to be material as the company was able to put contingency plans into operation and to process from its stockpile.

For further information, contact

Johan Adler
Tel: (011) 373-6637
Cell: 083 627-3918

Wage Dispute with NUM resolved05 January 1999

The following media release is issued with regard to the resolution of the wage dispute between Amplats and NUM.

The parties are pleased to announce that they have resolved the wage dispute between themselves through private mediation. The parties believe that the agreement is one which meets their respective needs and interests and which will ensure industrial peace and productivity. The contents of the agreement are confidential to the parties until NUM completes its feedback to members on 5 January 1999.

This media release has been compiled by the mediator, John Brand, on behalf of both parties.

Negotiations to end strike action ongoing04 January 1999

The following media release is issued with regard to the current situation concerning negotiations aimed at ending the strike action at some Amplats operations.

In terms of the agreement reached between the Num and the Company at private mediation on 28 December 1998, the parties met again on 30 December 1998 to attempt to resolve the dispute on wages and Conditions of Employment.

At a meeting on Monday, 28 December 1998, the parties had agreed, in principle, a package covering the outstanding issues (including the question of future wage increases).The only issue, which remained unresolved, was the amount of backpay NUM members would be entitled to for the period July to December 1998. Amplats had offered an 8% increase on the basis of the previous years wages excluding the 4% productivity element, and the NUM was seeking an 8% increase on a base that included the productivity element. Both parties undertook to go back to their respective principals and request fresh mandates to accept the in principle agreement reached on all matters in dispute, as well as the compromise backpay offer suggested during mediation.

At the meeting on December 30, the parties were still unable to reach agreement on the amount payable in respect of backpay. Whilst the parties have been unable to resolve the dispute it has been agreed that the process of mediation will continue on Monday, 4 January 1999.

Contrary to statements made by NUM, Amplats has not reneged on any undertakings given to NUM or the mediator.

It has been requested by the mediator that specific details of any proposals tabled during the mediation process are not released via the media. Both Amplats and NUM have agreed to abide by this request.

Amplats and NUM mediation continues04 January 1999

The following media release is issued with regard to the continuation of mediation negotiations aimed at ending the strike action by NUM members at some of Amplats operations.

NUM and Amplats confirm that the private mediation before Mr John Brand resumed today, 4.1.99. Both parties have had an opportunity to discuss certain principles of agreement, forged during the mediation, with their mandate givers. They expect the mediation to continue all day and they will release media briefings to the media, from time to time, through the mediator.

This media release has been compiled by the mediator, John Brand, on behalf of both parties.