About 15,000 workers at Goldfields’ KDC mine on the West Rand were on strike on Monday, the company said.

“The senior leadership of Gold Fields’ South Africa Region and KDC are on the mine engaging with the striking employees, the various unions and other structures, with a view to finding a speedy and peaceful resolution to the unlawful strike,” the listed company said.

  Workers downed tools unexpectedly on Sunday night. It is the second wildcat strike at the mine in two weeks.

  The company would apply for an urgent interdict to end the strike, which it said was unlawful.

  Gideon du Plessis, general secretary of trade union Solidarity, said an urgent meeting was underway at the mine on Monday morning between company and union representatives.

  He was not yet sure of the details that led to the strike declaration.

  “We are still waiting for feedback. It started at 9.30pm last night,” he said.   A spokesman for the National Union of Mineworkers was not immediately available to comment.

  Peter Turner, executive vice president and head of Gold Fields’ South Africa region, said: “At this stage the reason for the strike remains unclear but we hope to gain clarity as soon as possible.

  “The situation on the mine has been calm and peaceful since the start of the strike and we appeal to all stakeholders to continue to act with restraint and to engage in good faith. It is important that we restore normality in a peaceful manner and as soon as possible.” 

The Goldfields strike comes on the same day as the expected resumption of talks at Lonmin’s Marikana mine in Rustenburg.