Three years of labour upheaval and a political push for safety and better wages have set in motion a drive to mechanise platinum mines.

The mineral resources minister says parties are close to finding a solution to the platinum mining strike, although critics are skeptical of this.

Two days after taking up his post, Ngoako Ramathlodi has established an intergovernmental technical team to resolve the strike in the platinum belt.

Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union president Joseph Mathunjwa says its members have rejected the mining companies’ recent wage offer.

The drawn out labour action in the platinum sector has been costing the mining companies while police continue to quell protests in the North West.

Amcu have claimed the planned retrenchments in the mining sector were an attempt to thwart their continued growth in former NUM strongholds.

Amcu president Joseph Mathunjwa has come under scrutiny at the Farlam commission over his agenda on the day of the Marikana massacre.

The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union does not see why it should be part of the Marikana peace pact, says Jimmy Gama.

A week after the Marikana massacre, it is not yet clear what the long-term social, political and economic repercussions will be.