The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has rejected a 2.5 per cent wage increase offer put forward by the Chamber of Mines.

According to the union, the wage increases suggested were an insult.

As part of the Chamber of Mines offer, employer contributions to the relevant risk and retirement benefit fund would increase by one per cent.

Gwede Mantashe, NUM general secretary, described the offer as a "spit in the face" of miners, particularly since they currently get "meagre salaries" and companies did not take part in the 2003 collective bargaining agreement.

"We knew negotiations this year were going to be uphill, but we certainly did not expect a curse as is evident today," he added.

However, despite its criticism of the offer, the union did suggest it was prepared to wait for changes to be made to meet its demands, claiming it should now "prepare for a long march".

It is hoped producers will think about and review their position before the next meeting on July 6th.

A collection of wage offers and debates are currently taking place in South Africa, with firms including Angloplat, Implats and Lonmin all in talks.