The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has warned that industrial action could be imminent at Impala Platinum after the two parties failed to make headway in wage discussions.

The NUM has been in talks with the platinum industry heavyweight after the two sides became embroiled in a wage dispute.

The final round of talks were viewed as a last chance by the NUM, which is now anticipating the dispute going to government mediators next week.

Deputy general-secretary Archie Palane told Reuters that the issue was not nearing a resolution, with growing disquiet among workers.

"This is building up anger among workers, it is an issue that demonstrates provocation," he said.

Implats is offering a wage increase of 6.8 per cent, a marginal increase on its previous offer of 6.5 per cent, Palane said, with the NUM seeking an 8.5 per cent rise.

The two sides are required by South African law to exhaust channels of negotiations, including government mediation, before any strike action can be taken - with the dispute increasingly heading in that direction.