Thousands of workers at South Africa's Lonmin platinum mine are returning to work following the signing of a wage deal that ended a five-week strike.

Under the agreement, signed late Tuesday, Lonmin agreed to give its workers a pay raise of up to 22 percent, less than the workers demands for a $1,500 base monthly salary.

They will also receive a one-time cash payment of $250 to compensate for the time they were off the job.

The miners strike began on August 10th, sparking violent clashes that left 46 people dead.

Union leaders say the deal sets a precedent for other miners who have begun strikes for better wages at some of the country's gold, platinum and chrome mines..

On Wednesday, police fired tear gas, rubber bullets and stun grenades to disperse protesters at platinum mine owned by Anglo American Platinum .