Efforts to end a rash of strikes at South African gold mines have failed after the protesting workers refused the latest pay rise offered by mine owners.

South Africa’s Chamber of Mines declared on Monday "it is not in a position to make any further proposals".

On Thursday, miners rejected a deal negotiated between the National Union of Mine workers and the Chamber, saying it was not up to their demand of roughly 12,500 rand ($1,430) per month wages.

The deadlock could spell the end of an effort to deal with a spate of labor unrest in the country. No further talks have been planned.

"The individual companies will now explore other avenues to try to bring normality to the gold mining industry," a Chamber of Mines statement said.

Tens of thousands of gold workers have been on strike for more than a month in South Africa's mines, most of them located near the commercial hub of Johannesburg.


The strikes have paralyzed productions in the country, which accounts for around seven percent of global mine products.

In August, clashes between striking miners and police left 46 miners dead at Lonmin platinum mine in the South African North West Province.

The strikes have damaged South Africa's reputation as an investment destination.
Press TV