Angloplat workers walk

Vancouver — Some 2,000-to-3,000 workers at the Bafokeng Rasimone platinum mine is South Africa have refused to go underground on foot after a lift broke down.

According to South Africa’s National Union of Mineworkers, a conveyor belt used to transport the workers 180 metres underground broke down.

At this stage, the impact on production remains unknown.

The operation is owned by the world’s largest platinum producer, Angloplat, which in turn is held 59.6% by Anglo American (AAUK-Q). Angloplat produced 2.1 million oz of platinum last year and expects to yield 3.5 million oz annually by 2006.