Unions eye windfall

JOHANNESBURG — Sibanye-Stillwater said the almost two-month long strike at its South African gold mines is being used as leverage by labour unions for upcoming wage negotiations at its platinum operations. South African miners, including Anglo American Platinum and Impala Platinum Holdings, are entering pivotal talks over a multiyear pay deal after announcing record dividends following a rally in palladium and rhodium prices. While unions are seeking a share of the windfall profits, producers have warned that any settlement with 163 000 platinum workers must not risk the long-term viability of a key export industry. —