The world’s biggest platinum producers face a dilemma: they’re reporting bumper profits just as they enter negotiations with unions over a three-year wage deal. The surge in earnings has been fueled by higher prices for palladium and rhodium, which are mined alongside platinum in SA. Noting the buoyancy of the market, the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) has asked for a pay increase of as much as 48%. Satisfying that demand will lead to job losses and mine closures, companies say. “Amcu demands are ridiculous,” said Bernard Swanepoel, a former gold mine boss who now sits on the board of Impala ... (full story)