Anglo American Platinum Limited announced that it was closing four shafts in northern South Africa, which could affect 14,000 jobs in the volatile mining sector. The closure will lead to a reduction in production of some 400,000 ounces a year, with Amplats setting a new baseline production target of 2.1 - 2.3 million ounces annually. Amplats would also sell its Union mines.

Of the jobs, 13,000 will be in Rustenburg, South Africa's platinum belt.