Johannesburg - Mineral Resources Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi met chief executives of platinum mining companies in Pretoria on Wednesday in a bid to resolve the workers' strike.
“A proposal from the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) was presented,” the mineral resources department said in a statement.
Lonmin, Anglo American Platinum and Impala Platinum representatives asked for time to consider the proposal.
The minister and chief executives are scheduled to meet again on Thursday.
Also attending Wednesday's meeting were Deputy Labour Minister Phathekile Holomisa, and Deputy Mineral Resources Minister Godfrey Oliphant.
Amcu members at the platinum mines downed tools on January 23, demanding a basic monthly salary of R12,500.
They have rejected the companies' offer that would bring their cash remuneration to that amount by 2017.
A team comprising officials from the departments of mineral resources, labour, and the National Treasury, is trying to help end the strike.
On Tuesday, Ramatlhodi met Amcu, saying afterwards he was encouraged by the progress and co-operation shown by all parties.
Amcu was represented at that meeting by its president Joseph Mathunjwa, treasurer Jimmy Gama, and advocate Dali Mpofu.
On Wednesday, Mathunjwa said “the strike cannot be forever”.
He could not comment on whether a deal was on the cards yet, and declined to say if negotiations with mining bosses were fruitful.
“I don't want to speak for the companies. The minister has to meet with them and speak to them.” - Sapa