Talks between management representatives and union officials involved in strike action at the world's two biggest platinum producers have broken down, with no date set for any further efforts to break the deadlock.

With stoppages continuing at both Angloplat and Implats, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) says that no further talks have been scheduled as the two sides appeared to harden their position.

NUM assistant general secretary Archie Palane told Platts that "management at neither company has responded to our offer to resume talks" even though the union had scaled back its demands to an 8.5 per cent pay rise at both companies.

For its part, Implats insists it is still trying to establish another meeting, as the strike costs the firm more than 3,000 oz of pgms per day.

The continuing problems at the two platinum heavyweights had little impact on the markets, however, where the precious metal fell to a comparatively low price.

Despite the potential problems for supply if the strikes continue, the price of platinum fell to its lowest level for nine weeks.

One European dealer was quoted as saying, "I think people agree that there is no shortage of physical metal in the short term. The strike actions need to last for a longer time until there are consequences".