De Beers optimistic about talks with S.Africa union

JOHANNESBURG, July 24 (Reuters) - The world's top diamond producer, De Beers, said on Thursday it was continuing wage talks with South Africa's largest mineworkers' union in a bid to avert a strike at its mines in the country.

"We don't have an agreement signed, but we're optimistic that we have an attractive offer on the table," De Beers spokesman Tom Tweedy said. "We're optimistic we'll find a settlement."

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), which represents 3,400 workers at De Beers, has announced a one-day strike beginning Thursday evening to press its demands for a 13.5 percent wage increase for workers. (Reporting by Paul Simao)