Pretoria - Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe again met mining houses and trade unions on Wednesday in a bid to resolve issues bedevilling the mining sector.
The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) delegation was led by its president Joseph Mathunjwa, and the rival National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) by its general secretary Frans Baleni.
Representatives of the Federation of Unions of SA and the Chamber of Mines were also present, as were several chief executives of mining houses.
Congress of SA Trade Unions general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi and Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu also attended.
The meeting of major players started after midday at the Sefako Makgatho presidential guest house.
On Tuesday, Motlanthe's spokesman Thabo Masebe said a framework agreement for the mining industry was expected to be signed at the meeting.
Motlanthe met mining houses and trade unions last month in a bid to resolve problems in the industry.
The framework was discussed at the meeting.
President Jacob Zuma has tasked Motlanthe with leading talks between unions and mining companies.
The industry has been plagued by strikes and violence, especially in the Rustenburg platinum belt.
Motlanthe previously said he was optimistic the parties would reach a solution.
“We will pull together all loose strands, and I am optimistic we will find each other and agree on the issues affecting the industry.”
He said the parties would also try to find long-term solutions for the industry. - Sapa