South Africa's National Union of Mineworkers Wednesday warned a strike in the coal mining industry was on the horizon after it failed to received a wage offer from companies.

"If this is going to be the attitude, then we have no option but to approach our members for a mandate. If that mandate means strike action, so be it," said NUM General Secretary Frans Baleni.

The union in a statement said it would only resume wage negotiations with the Chamber of Mines, which represents companies including Anglo American PLC (AAUK) and BHP Billiton Ltd. (BHP), when an offer has been made.

-By Robb M. Stewart, Dow Jones Newswires; +27 11 783 7848; robb.stewart@dowjones.com