JOHANNESBURG – Gold Fields Ltd says a wildcat strike by 15,000 miners has stopped work in the west section of its KDC mine in the West Rand, the latest in a string of labour disputes in South Africa’s mines.

Gold Fields said Monday it was not clear why the miners are striking. The east section of the mine is still operating normally.

Meanwhile, miners have not reported for work in the fourth week of a strike at the world’s third largest platinum producer though unions report they are preparing to start talks on wage increases with management from Lonmin PLC.

At a second platinum mine, Implats, 15,000-plus workers are demanding a 10 per cent pay rise though the mine continues operations.