The mining sector in South Africa is facing yet more industrial action after the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) rejected a 4.6 per cent wage increase from Anglo Platinum (Amplats).

Officials for the union said workers could go on strike if the company does not improve its offer considerably. It is thought workers are wanting an increase of between 14 and 20 per cent.

"The NUM took a decision not to continue with talks with the company ... and to proceed with consultation with members to ask for a mandate to strike action," the NUM said in a statement.

Strikes could make it difficult for the world's number one platinum producer to meet its output targets for 2011.

It comes as both the coal and gold mining sectors in South Africa are facing industrial action by workers.

Meanwhile, there has recently been a series of unprotected wildcat strikes affecting platinum miners Platmin and Lonmin.

Sources:
 

Anglo Platinum could be next to face strike action (07/07/11)" data-scaytid="16" data-scayt_word="href">Anglo Platinum could be next to face strike action (07/07/11)
 

S.Africa's NUM threatens strike against Amplats (07/07/11)" data-scaytid="17" data-scayt_word="href">S.Africa's NUM threatens strike against Amplats (07/07/11)

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