Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu will hold talks with the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) on Monday about potential job losses, the union said.

"We are hoping to discuss the platinum industry situation and the potential job losses in that sector," NUM spokesman Lesiba Seshoka said.

"There should be a press conference after the meeting that will explain what was being discussed."

Shabangu's spokeswoman Zingaphi Jakuja confirmed that the minister was meeting with "stakeholders", but declined to provide further details.

"Unfortunately we cannot discuss what the meeting will be about. There will probably be more information if the principals [in the meeting] decide to release a media statement."

It was set to start at 10am.

The City Press reported on Sunday that NUM president Senzeni Zokwana would tell Shabangu that job cuts may affect the union's 300,000-strong membership.

"With unemployment already high in this country, we cannot afford any more job losses. We have to find a way of planning in the industry that will protect workers and jobs," Zokwana reportedly said at a discussion forum during the week.

The potential job losses are a result of the slow uptake of commodities in Europe and China.

Last week, Aquarius Platinum Limited said it would place its Marikana mine, in the North West, on care and maintenance because of the weak platinum price.