Wage talks have begun between the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and Impala Platinum (Implats).

South Africa's largest mining union has demanded a 15 per cent pay increase from the company, according to Reuters.

The wage demand follows action last year, when Implats agreed to increase wages by eight per cent in order to stop a 12-day strike.

NUM chief negotiator, Frans Baleni, said: "A careful look at our demands will indicate that we are determined to ensure that mineworkers enjoy the same benefits as their white counterparts and any other worker in the country."

The union is also calling on the world's second biggest platinum producer to improve health cover, pension contributions and housing.

Similar talks are reported to have also occurred at smaller company Northam Platinum.