Pretoria - Government and the mining sector have agreed on the need to beef up the manner in which the sector negotiates conditions of employment.
Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu and Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant met with the Chamber of Mines and executives of the platinum and gold sector on Saturday
"This has arisen from the acknowledgement by all stakeholders that the current status quo wherein each company negotiates individually has created opportunity for non-recognized labour structures to make demands outside the agreed and recognized forums.
A statement from Shabangu's office said executives, through the Chamber of Mines, have been tasked to work on the modalities of how this option will be implemented in the short to long term.
The spotlight has been on the country's mining sector following the tragic death of 34 striking miners in Lonmin, Marikana in the North West, a week ago. President Jacob Zuma has instituted a Commission of Inquiry to probe the death.
Shabangu's office said the chamber will cooperate with the Commission of Inquiry into the Marikana issue.
