South Africa considers declaring certain minerals as 'strategic'

Johhanesburg; S.Africa: South Africa's mines minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi said he was considering declaring certain minerals such as coal and iron ore as "strategic" for the country.

"We haven't classified any, but it is provided for under the mineral bill, which is before the president. If that bill is signed into law, then it will give the minister the ability to declare certain minerals strategic for purposes of industrialisation in South Africa," he said.