Lonmin Platinum mine's work attendance on Friday was at 23.6 percent across the board, the company said.

"Mining operations will only resume once we have sufficient workers in attendance and the necessary safety procedures have been undertaken," the company said in a statement.

"Lonmin is operating today [Friday]. No incidents occurred over night. The situation is peaceful."

The company said they continued to encourage workers to return to work.

Of the 23.6 percent at work, the company was not sure how many rock drill operators were in attendance.

Three thousand rock drill operators at the Marikana mine embarked on an illegal strike on August 10.

Police opened fire on a group of striking mine workers last Thursday.

Thirty four died and 78 were wounded. In the preceding week, 10 people --including two police officers and two security guards -- died in protests.

Protests at the mine were believed to be linked to rivalry between the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union and the National Union of Mineworkers over recognition agreements at the mine. Workers also wanted higher wages.

A memorial service for the 34 miners shot dead was held at the Nkaneng informal settlement, in the North West on Thursday.