The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has rejected a wage deal by Angloplat, the world's number one platinum producer.

This latest decision follows its similar rejection of Lonmin's wage agreement, as mining firms in South Africa continue talks and offers concerning mining wages and conditions.

Angloplat's offer was based on a five-year inflation-linked wage and the NUM has claimed such an agreement might be possible next year.

NUM deputy general secretary, Archie Palane, told Reuters: "We said to them we are willing to explore with them and whatever outcome can then be brought into the next year's wage negotiations."

Mr Palane explained the union did not want to enter into an agreement since there wasn't any idea in place "as to how it was going to operate" and it first wanted to obtain details and discuss plans with members.

The NUM has suggested a traditional wage deal should be agreed on for the short-term to allow greater discussion of other ideas for the future.