Platinum giant Implats has seen its workers down tools after a series of wage discussions proved ineffectual in resolving the dispute between the two sides.

Members of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) began the strike late yesterday, after some workers had continued working while last minute discussions continued throughout the day.

Originally the action was due to begin at midday (GMT), but did not ultimately take place until 19:00 GMT, as Implats human resources director Humphrey Oliphant explained to Reuters.

"We couldn't reach an agreement yesterday, and the entire work force did not show up for the 9 p.m. (19:00 GMT) shift,” he said.

"This is likely to be the case until at least Friday when we are due to meet the union again,” he added.

NUM's Archie Palane said that the strike would continue until Implats could “come up with a package that will satisfy our members".

He also revealed that the NUM was also set to carry out its threat to engage in strike action at Angloplat, the world's biggest platinum miner.

"If our members reject Angloplat's new wage proposal, we will begin our strike at 2 p.m. (12:00 GMT) today - it is all up to the workers," he said.

Analysts say that while strike action at the two platinum heavyweight firms could prove damaging, the effects will only be realised once stockpiles have been exhausted and the dip in supply has worked through the processing pipeline.