The government and the Australian mining industry have not reached an agreement regarding the proposed mining tax, but Treasurer Wayne Swan said discussions are continuing.

The Australian government and the mining industry have some way to go to resolve a dispute over a proposed mining tax, Treasurer Swan is confident that both parties are open-minded to bring the issue to a close.

In a late afternoon briefing Thursday in Canberra, Swan told reporters that talks may extend.

"I can't put a timeframe on those discussions," Swan said. "It's certainly our wish that they are resolved as soon as we practically can but the most important thing is to get the right result."

He added: "They are constructive but they've got some way to go as yet and I don't intent to engage in megaphone diplomacy about negotiations."

In an emailed statement Prime Minister Julia Gillard, she wrote that she was "pleased by the constructive and disciplined approach that is being taken by both sides. I have nothing to report on the content of the discussions at this point."

The comments follow media reports that the PM Gillard might be railroading a compromise agreement with the mining industry before an election is called.