Lonmin CEO tells staff to take leave, no end seen to strike

JOHANNESBURG, March 26 (Reuters) - The chief executive of platinum producer Lonmin LMI.L has told staff to take voluntary leave because a wage strike at its South African operations by the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) looks set to continue.

"Given the reality of a prolonged strike and AMCU's unrealistic demands, we have to make tough decisions to preserve and protect the business by reducing costs and conserving cash," Ben Magara said in a March 25 memo seen by Reuters.

(Reporting by Ed Stoddard; Editing by Ed Cropley)

((Edward.Stoddard@thomsonreuters.com)(+27 11 775 3160)(Reuters Messaging: edward.stoddard.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))

Keywords: SAFRICA STRIKES/LONMIN