The two biggest platinum producers in the world are hoping they can reach an agreement with striking workers, as hopes rise of a resolution to the ongoing stoppage.

Angloplat and Implats met with representatives of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) yesterday, with the talks thrashing out the beginnings of an agreement.

NUM deputy general secretary Archie Palane told Reuters that workers would "continue on strike" until further notice, but raised the possibility of introducing a mediating party as the details are finalised.

"We are looking at the possibility of bringing in a third party to help us resolve what is essentially a technical issue," he said.

Angloplat spokesman Mike Mtkati said that he could not see any point in bringing in a third party "at this stage", but agreed that progress was being made.

"We came back with a substantially improved offer. It has been accepted by the other unions," he revealed.

Meanwhile, Mr Palane said that further talks with Implats were being planned for the evening, expressing confidence that further progress would also be made there.