Johannesburg - Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu
will hold talks with the National Union of Mineworkers (Num) on Monday about
potential job losses, the union said.
"We are hoping to discuss the platinum industry
situation and the potential job losses in that sector," Num spokesperson
Lesiba Seshoka said.
"There should be a press conference after the meeting
that will explain what was being discussed."
Shabangu's spokesperson Zingaphi Jakuja confirmed that the
minister was meeting with "stakeholders", but declined to provide
further details.
"Unfortunately we cannot discuss what the meeting will
be about. There will probably be more information if the principals (in the
meeting) decide to release a media statement."
It was set to start at 10:00.
The City Press reported on Sunday that Num president Senzeni
Zokwana would tell Shabangu that job cuts may affect the union's 300 000-strong
membership.
"With unemployment already high in this country, we
cannot afford any more job losses.
"We have to find a way of planning in the
industry that will protect workers and jobs," Zokwana reportedly said at a
discussion forum during the week.
The potential job losses are a result of the slow uptake of
commodities in Europe and China.
Last week, Aquarius Platinum [JSE:AQP] said it would
place its Marikana mine, in the North West, on care and maintenance because of
the weak platinum price.