South Africa's National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is understood to be considering bringing its strike action at Lonmin's Marikana operations to an end.

According to Frans Baleni, the NUM's General Secretary, said the union is looking to suspend its industrial action, which was launched following concerns over Lonmin's payment process.

Speaking to Mining Weekly, Mr Baleni said: "We are engaging members and management to suspend the strike until such a time that the court issues have been resolved."

Despite some claims that the strike was in breach of a court order that prohibited any such action until a full hearing into the matter had been held, Mr Baleni defended his union's action.

He insisted that the NUM had taken the proper legal steps before ordering its members to down tools.

Reuters reports that negotiations between Lonmin and the NUM broke down on Wednesday without any agreement being reached.

Sources:

NUM consults members, may call off Lonmin strike, 22/08/07
http://www.miningweekly.co.za/article.php?a_id=115253

Talks to end strike at Lonmin mine breaks down-NUM, 22/08/07
http://africa.reuters.com/metals/news/usnJAT003079.html

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