It has been reported that the strike at the Modikwa platinum mine in South Africa may be nearing an end, as the two sides look to be close to a breakthrough in talks.

Simon Tebele, the mine spokesperson, has revealed that discussions between joint owners Anglo Platinum and African Rainbow Mineral (ARM) and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) have made great progress over the past 24 hours and could come to an agreement on Thursday.

However, the South African Press Association has reported that the NUM has refused to confirm this view, with chief negotiator Humbulani Tshikalange saying: "Our members are still on strike. Nothing has changed at all."

Mineworkers at the operation went on strike on January 26th and on February 2nd, the matter went to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) in an effort to resolve the problems.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd