The world’s top producer of platinum, Anglo American Platinum, fired 12-thousand workers on strike in South Africa on Friday.

Anglo American Platinum said in a statement that the company had completed handing out disciplinary action for workers who had taken part in illegal strikes, but 12-thousand workers had refused to face a hearing required in the process. As a result, the company said the workers had been fired.

According to local media, those who were fired can choose to appeal the company’s action within three days.

Roughly 21-thousand workers employed in mines operating in the Rustenberg area had been taking part in strikes for three weeks, and Anglo American Platinum has racked up losses worth roughly 98 billion won.

The workers on strike have said they will not return to work until the company accepts their demands for a pay raise.