South Africa's National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has issued a series of 48-hour strike notices to both Angloplat and Implats.

NUM deputy general secretary Archie Palane told Reuters that the union had now issued the world's two biggest platinum producers with the notification, as the sides now enter into a last round of frantic negotiations in accordance with South African law.

The wage dispute is now nearing resolution, with the result either a series of stoppages at two firms responsible for more than half of the world's platinum output or a shift in negotiating positions.

Mr Palane revealed: "We have issued a notification to both parties which has triggered discussions with Angloplat."

"We hope this will be resolved before Wednesday otherwise close to 47,000 (workers) will down tools."

Meanwhile, Angloplat spokesman Mike Mtakati acknowledged the firm had received the warnings, but said that talks would continue with both parties indicating their willingness to "work tomorrow and see if we can't avert a strike by compromise".

Implats corporate affairs director Cathie Markus said that the firm had not yet received any warning, but echoed Mr Mtakati's desire to pursue negotiations further.

"We still believe we're in the process," she commented.

Angloplat has delivered a final wage offer of a 7.5 per cent increase, with the NUM holding out for a nine per cent pay rise.

Implats has also put a deal for 7.5 per cent on the table, with the NUM seeking an eight per cent pay rise.