Anglo Platinum has moved a step closer to an agreement with mining unions, meaning the threat of strikes is diminishing, it has been reported.

The mining company has offered eight per cent to ten per cent wage increases to miners and although this has been rejected by the Solidarity union, it has been suggested that talks are now progressing well between the parties.

"The fact that both parties are prepared to make concessions is positive," said Solidarity in a statement.

However, the union remains adamant that only double-digit growth will be sufficient, with the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) also conceding some ground and putting forward an offer that would see the majority of its members receiving an 11 per cent increase.

While the news for Anglo Platinum appears positive, the same cannot be said at other mining operations across South Africa, as the NUM has lodged disputes against five other mining firms in the past two weeks as wage talks come to a head.

Sources:

Angloplat, unions move closer in wage talks, 29/06/07
Reuters

Strike threat recedes, although unions reject Angloplat's improved 8% wage offer 29/06/07
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