It was a “minor setback” that the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is no longer the majority union at Impala Platinum, the union has said.

NUM spokesperson Lesiba Seshoka said they would do everything in their power to claw back the recognition from rival union, Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU).

The NUM’s recognition agreement with Implats reportedly came to end on Saturday, with the union blaming the violence that accompanied the industrial action last year when thousands of mineworkers downed tools demanding higher wages.

“With all the violent strike action and threats against our members, we don’t expect to be in the majority,” said Seshoka.

“This is a minor set-back. We’re going to get our members back once the violence and threats cease.”