A series of violent protests, at one of the world's largest platinum-producing mines, led to several deaths and injuries after a shoot-out involving the police and striking mine workers.

The strike by Lonmin's Marikana mine, in the North Western province of South Africa, gained support of the young and old.(PHOTO ESSAY: South African Mine Strike Turns Violent )

Rustenburg — The shooting of 34 workers on a hilltop near Lonmin mine in Marikana, Rustenburg, happened after the police rolled out barbed wire, police chief Riah Phiyega said on Friday.

As the police deployed the barbed wire, a group of protesters tried to outflank them.

"They were met by members of the police who tried to reposte the advance with a water cannon, teargas as well as stun grenades," Phiyega told reporters in Rustenburg.

"The attempt was unsuccessful and the police members had to employ force to protect themselves from the charging group."

The police were closing in on the group of protesters when "the militant group stormed towards the police, firing shots and wielding dangerous weapons", said Phiyega.

"Police retreated systematically and were forced to utilise maximum force."