Striking Lonmin mine workers wait in an open field. (Photo: AFP)

MARIKANA, South Africa

Worker turnout at platinum giant Lonmin’s strike-hit South African mine plummeted yesterday as hopes shifted to mediated talks to break a deadlock that has seen 44 people killed.

The London-listed firm said only eight per cent of its 28,000 staff had reported for work, down from 13 per cent the previous day and more than 50 per cent at the weekend, amid fresh reports of threats from striking miners against returning workers.

“There are unsubstantiated reports of intimidation in two mining areas,” said the company, the world’s third-biggest platinum producer.

“No incidents of violence have been reported. Management is appealing to all stakeholders to remain calm.”

Lonmin said company bus drivers and workers had been threatened.

A heavy police presence was visible around the mining area yesterday. Officers in five armoured trucks monitored a group of striking miners who again gathered near the spot where police gunned down 34 people on August 16.

The shooting was the worst day of police violence in 18 years of democracy, pushing the death toll from the strike to 44 after 10 people were killed in clashes blamed on inter-union rivalry that shut down production at the mine.

Representatives of the miners — who say they are acting independently of unions — want the Labour Minister to assure that the issue of wages will be part of the agenda at today’s meeting with Lonmin officials.

Workers, who claim they earn 4,000 rand ($42,000) a month, are demanding 12,500 rand. Lonmin says the workers already earn around 10,000 rand when bonuses and other compensation are included.

AFP