Outlook for South Africa's gold sector.
Negotiations began on June 22 between the Chamber of Mines, representing five of the six major gold mining companies in South Africa, and a divided trade union movement. The talks take place in a context of conflict between companies and the government over Black Economic Empowerment requirements, bitter rivalry between mining sector unions, and inflationary pressures.
The Marikana Commission report recommends policing reforms to better manage strikes and violence, but poor leadership makes this unlikely.
Denuded gold resources are forcing miners to pursue expensive, deeper-level mining techniques, which pushes up costs.
Fresh asset disposals by miners could provide opportunities for the mines ministry to push the development of a national mining 'champion'.
The effect of rising inflation (6.1% is expected for 2016) on purchasing power is likely to reinforce unions' focus on wage increases.
