Striking S.African miners to start mediation with platinum companies

JOHANNESBURG, Jan 24 (Reuters) - South Africa's Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) will start government-brokered talks with the world's top three platinum companies on Friday to resolve a strike over pay, the labour ministry said.

The talks, under the auspices of South Africa's main commercial arbitration body, will start at 0700 GMT, labour ministry spokesman Musi Zondi said.

The strike at Anglo American Platinum AMSJ.J , Impala Platinum IMPJ.J and Lonmin LMI.L started on Thursday.

(Reporting by Ed Cropley; editing by David Dolan)

((edward.cropley@thomsonreuters.com)(+27 11 775 3165)(Reuters Messaging: edward.cropley.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))

Keywords: SAFRICA STRIKES/