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Striking SA miners back to work

Striking workers at the Lonmin mine in South Africa are returning to work after agreeing a 22% pay deal, following weeks of industrial action. However protests continue at other mines in the country.

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Six women hit by rubber bullets in SA mining row

Police arrive to disperse miners at Lonmin's Marikana mine in South Africa's North West Province Credit: PA

Police have been firing rubber bullets and tear gas in an attempt to herd striking miners into their shacks.

The show of force followed a government vow to halt illegal protests and disarm the strikers who have stopped work at precious metal mines, destabilising the country's critical mining sector.

A man holds a stone while running away from police at Lonmin's Marikana mine Credit: PA

Six women were hit by rubber bullets and one had to be taken to hospital, Anglican bishop Jo Seoka, president of the Council of Churches, warned of serious repercussions and said he was holding the government and Lonmin mine officials responsible describing it as an 'aparteid-era crackdown.'

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