"Negotiations started on Monday to give the workers a platform to present their grievances and demands," chairman Jo Seoka, who is also president of the SA Council of Churches said.

"So far the process was very cordial and both parties listened to each other."

The meeting was held at the Lutheran Church, in Wonderkop last night, Seoka said.

The Bench Marks Foundation, an independent faith-based organisation monitoring corporate performance, offered to co-ordinate a meeting between the two parties.

Police opened fire on a group of protesting workers gathered on a hill near the mine last Thursday, killing 34 of them and wounding 78. Another 260 were arrested on charges of public violence and remain in custody.

In the week leading up to the shooting, 10 people, including two police officers and two security guards, were killed.

Seoka said: "Mine management conveyed their condolences and the representatives accepted it."

"The management said they would conceive about the grievances and demands and get back to the representatives today [Wednesday]."

Lonmin was not immediately reachable for comment.

The protests were believed to be linked to rivalry between the National Union of Mineworkers and the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union over recognition agreements at the mine. Workers also wanted higher wages.

The Bench Marks Foundation would brief the media on Wednesday on the outcomes of the meeting.