JOHANNESBURG - Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau says discussions are at an advanced stage to save the 3,500 jobs at ArcelorMittal.
The steel giant is currently looking into closing its long steel operations in Newcastle and Vereeniging.
WATCH: Newcastle community on edge over possible ArcelorMittal SA closure
The minister was speaking at Numsa's bargaining conference in Johannesburg on Monday.
Tau said the country's economy faces profound challenges.