South Africa produces 70% of the world's platinum

Lonmin, the world's third largest platinum producer, is set to cut 6,000 jobs in South Africa due to falling prices and high production costs, the company said in a statement Friday.

"A total of 6,000 employees including contractors are likely to be affected by (shaft) closures," Lonmin said. "It is our intention to achieve this outcome in partnership with our employees, unions and other relevant stakeholders."