Lonmin Plc welcomed the formal return to work, of employees engaged in an unprotected strike. Lonmin further welcomed the statement issued by the South African Cabinet on May 16 in which it appealed to the leadership of both the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) to: resolve their dispute amicably and put the interests of the country and workers above everything else. Workers must be aware that the unprotected strike could have serious consequences not only for themselves, but for the future of the mine and that of their jobs. Lonmin has also heeded the Cabinet's appeal to do everything possible to make sure that issues are resolved as soon as possible without further unrest. On May 15, 2013, Lonmin secured a court interdict in its favour ordering striking employees to return to work and subsequently informed staff and unions of this development. This was an unprotected work stoppage and the principle of no work no pay was applied. However, the company has considered the situation in totality, and in particular, the risk that recent events may escalate and compromise the safety of employees, property and community members. Lonmin had already begun the process of de-recognising NUM in respect of category 4 to 9 bargaining unit following the significant changes in union membership at its operations. They can confirm that some aspects of this process will be accelerated in order to ease tensions on the ground at Marikana. Lonmin can also confirmed that it met with AMCU and the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) with a view to concluding a new recognition agreement with AMCU, which now represents 70% of Lonmin Category 4-9 employees.

Workers at Lonmin plc's platinum mine in Rustenburg in the North West are back at work following a wildcat strike. Employees are back at work May 17 morning and discussions are ongoing. Workers affiliated to the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) went on an unprotected strike on May 14, demanding that the National Union of Mineworkers' (NUM) offices at Lonmin be shut down. They suspended the strike after Amcu president Joseph Mathunjwa ordered them to return to work with immediate effect.

Lonmin plc announced overnight return to work by employees engaged in an unprotected strike action which began on 14 May, 2013 morning.