A potential strike at mines across South Africa could hit during August, unions have warned.

The National Union of Mineworkers' (NUM) Chief Negotiator, Oupa Komane, has claimed that strikes against the country's leading platinum miners are imminent unless management talks over the coming week can resolve the deadlock over wages.

Speaking to APF, Mr Komane said that the wage talks are due to resume this week, adding: "I am sure [the mining companies] have something better to offer but if nothing tangible comes, our 30,000 members are prepared to go on strike in August."

However, it appears that the mining firms are confident that they can avoid strike actions that would send the price of platinum spiralling.

Henry Zondi, Chief Negotiator for Anglo Platinum, said: "We have deadlocked, but we are still talking to the guys bilaterally."

He added: "We are hoping to resolve the matter as soon as possible."

Mr Komane warned that any strike would result in huge losses of platinum production.

Sources:

South African platinum miners warn of potential strikes in August, 20/7/2007
http://www.forbes.com/business/feeds/afx/2007/07/20/afx3935826.html

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