Amcu is the only stakeholder‚ despite being part of the discussions and the task team set up to address the problems in the mining industry‚ not to sign the peace and stability accord in Pretoria on Thursday afternoon.

Minerals Resources Minister Susan Shabangu said continuous efforts to engage with Amcu to become part of the process had been unsuccessful.

They had made telephonic contact this morning‚ but Amcu representatives were "unable to avail themselves" to be present at the meetings in Pretoria.

They did not sign the accord. The National Union of Mineworkers‚ the National Union of Metal Workers‚ UASA and Solidarity all committed themselves to the accord.

Shabangu said at press conference during the signing of the accord it was necessary to create an environment where workers were able to work and managers were allowed to manage the business.

She said although workers had the right of association‚ there were rules in the country and the labour market was ruled by the labour relations act.

"We are entering this space with good faith‚ and we will try to get all parties to become part and to participate in the process. We plead for peace and stability. We will continue engaging‚ but we need to bring stability‚" the minister said