It is reported that the largest mining trade union in South Africa, the National Union of Mineworkers is determined to strike at Exxaro Coal, Sishen Iron Ore and De Beers if their wage demands aren't met in hard times for workers.

Mr Lesiba Seshoka a NUM spokesperson said that the union, which claims to represent the majority of workers at these organizations, has declared disputes with the companies at the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration that will open the door for strikes if the Commission can not resolve the disputes.

He said that the union knew from experience that the mining companies wouldn't move on their wage offers unless the unions embarked on strikes. NUM was set on halting these companies' operations this year if they did not comply with demands as workers were hit hard by inflation.

The NUM is negotiating wage increases with mining companies that are not members of the SA Chamber of Mines this year as it tied up two year wage agreements with member companies last year.

Mr Seshoka said about 10,000 workers at Exxaro belonged to the union which had negotiation power on the basis that the majority of workers at these companies belonged to it.

The NUM is demanding a 13.5% increase in wages for this year from De Beers which has offered workers 11% for two years , while it says Sishen Iron Ore is also refusing "to deliver" on wages.