The two main unions representing employees of South African state-owned ports and rail operator Transnet gave an official “no” to an upgraded wage offer on Thursday.

As the strike dragged into its second week, Minerals Council South Africa told Reuters it is costing mining companies in the region of $44m per day in lost exports.

At the same time, a backlog of bulkers waiting to load at ports continues to grow and rack up demurrage fees for charterers.