Anglo Platinum, the world's number one platinum producer, is making progress in a long-running wage dispute.

Representatives have been in negotiation with union leaders on and off since June when the dispute began.

After failing to reach an agreement in the summer, the two sides met last week under the supervision of government mediators.

Speaking to the Reuters news agency after the talks, Anglo Platinum spokesman Mike Mtakati was upbeat about the prospects of a breakthrough.

"The talks have been very fruitful, we are very close to a settlement," he said.

The company has already raised its initial offer of 4.7 per cent to 7 per cent. The unions initially demanded 15 per cent but have since come down to 9 per cent. Union officials said other conditions including maternity leave and minumum entry wage were under also discussion.  The negotiations are due to reopen on September 17th.