Claim bolsters a lawsuit in locals allege Anglo caused widespread lead poisoning from the Broken Hill mine it had a stake in until 1974.

The affected part of the mine had been closed while investigations were underway.

Sibanye has been in talks with unions over wages at its South African gold operations, and implemented a lockout last Thursday.

The country produced 63.4 tonnes of gold in 2021.

Mining activities at Driefontein, Kloof and Beatrix mines were halted from Wednesday evening, except for essential services.

Prices of palladium, coal and other commodities have skyrocketed since Russia's Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine, while sanctions on Moscow drive Western consumers to replace Russian supply.