Workers slowly returning to Lonmin

At least a third of the 28,000 workers at Lonmin's Marikana mine, in North West, were back at work on Tuesday, the company said in a statement.

Among those who reported for work were "approximately one in five of the rock drill operators".

"The government of South Africa, Lonmin and the unions are in agreement that the best way to start to rebuild trust is to return to something closer to normality," the company said.

Lonmin said safety and public order were priorities to everyone involved in the process of restoring normality at the mine. It said there was a highly visible police and security presence at its operations.

Police opened fire while trying to disperse workers gathered on a hill near the mine on Thursday, killing 34 of them and wounding 78. Another 260 were arrested on a charge of public violence, and remain in custody.

In the week leading up to the shooting, another 10 people -- including two police officers and two security guards -- were killed in protests.

The protests were believed to be linked to rivalry between the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) over recognition agreements at the mine. Workers also wanted higher wages.

Lonmin said it had established a communication programme using leaflets, local radio, an sms text system, word of mouth, and an emergency number, for reporting intimidation.

"In consultations with ministers and unions, Lonmin agrees that no disciplinary action be taken against those unlawfully away from work who do not return this week," the company said.

"However, all parties are also agreed that the interests of employees, the wider economy and the company are best served by a return to work and they call on those striking to do that."

An inter-ministerial committee set up by President Jacob Zuma had met mine management. It said 33 of the 34 slain mineworkers had been identified.

Death certificates were being issued for South African citizens and the government had established a hotline families could call for information.