The mining indaba being held in Cape Town has no positive and tangible benefits for the local mining sector, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) said.
"The indaba has become a cheap talk-shop with no fundamental change emanating from its deliberations," spokesman Lesiba Seshoka said.
"The NUM views the mining indaba as a platform where captains of the mining industry gather to lament and cry foul about the reduction of their ill-gotten gains."
Seshoka said the expo was held annually, but mining-related deaths and joblessness remained high.
He said communities were still being exploited by surrounding mines.
"We pour cold water over the industry's claim that it is head and shoulder above when it comes to transformation."
The indaba attracted about 7000 delegates from more than 100 countries.
According to its website, the purpose of the expo was to build and maintain business relationships to sustain investment interests in African mining.
It concludes on Thursday.
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