Minerals minister unveils mining task team

© Iaroslav-Lazunov – za.fotolia.com

This comes after a protracted wage dispute that lasted for over four months and has slowed productivity and put a dent on the country's economic growth.

Minister Ramatlhodi, who was sworn into office on Monday, 26 May, said the technical team will include officials from the Departments of Mineral Resources, Labour and National Treasury, and will meet at an undisclosed location on Thursday, supported by representatives from the platinum companies, as well as labour union AMCU (the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union).

"The mandate of the technical team is to broaden the approach and explore all possibilities for a resolution to the problem. They will interrogate all the information (including the figures) provided by both parties, and report back by the end of the day on what is possible," Minister Ramatlhodi said.

This follows the minister's meeting with business today (represented by CEOs of Lonmin, Implats and Amplats as well as the Chamber of Mines), and his meetings with labour unions on Tuesday.

"All parties are hurting. The workers are hurting. We have no option but to find an amicable solution," the minister said.

He reiterated government's commitment to the process, which is supportive of other processes underway, including the Labour Court mediation.