The demand also comes as the country’s annual inflation rate was recorded as 4.5% last month and even though Glencore had flagged possible production and job cuts in South Africa earlier this year.

“Labour unions in 2013 signed a two-year deal with the companies for increases of as much as 11% in the first year,”Bloomberg reported.

“Coal prices in Richards Bay, South Africa’s main export terminal for the fuel, have dropped more than 20% since the agreement.”

NUM is also campaigning for an increase in the minimum housing allowance to R8000 a month ($A855).