The parties are expected to consult their principals within a reasonable time frame.
Negotiations to resolved the platinum wage dispute had reached consultation stage, the department of mineral resources said on Saturday.
“We are at a stage where business has to report to shareholder and Amcu [Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union] to report to members,” said spokesperson Mahlodi Muofhe.
Newly appointed Mineral Resources Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi announced an intergovernmental technical team on Wednesday to resolve the strike.
The team comprised officials from the departments of mineral resources, labour and the national treasury, supported by representatives from the mining companies and Amcu.
Muofhe said the parties were expected to consult their principals within a reasonable time frame.
Strike continues
Amcu members at Lonmin, Impala Platinum and Anglo American Platinum downed tools on January 23 demanding a basic monthly salary of R12 500.
They rejected the companies’ offer that would bring their cash remuneration to R12 500 by 2017.
The strike is now in its 128th day and has been marred by violence and intimidation.
It has cost the companies almost R20.5-billion in revenue and employees have lost R9.1-billion in earnings so far, according to the Platinum Wage Negotiations 2014 website created by the mining companies. – Sapa