Mining Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi was quoted by Reuters as saying that a significant drop in commodity prices, labor disputes and uncertainity in policy changes has affected mining investments in the country.
Ramatlhodi said: "The government will not own anything but we will facilitate ownership using the instruments available to us to say to companies: if you dispose, give to an entity which looks like this.
"These companies must be run as a business, not as a charity. You must have people experienced in the mining industry to run them."
Ramatlhodi has suggested the proposal as there are reports that Anglo American is considering to sell some coal mines and looking for option for its Rustenburg platinum mines.
"In Rustenburg, I would hope we can manage to grab those as well," Ramatlhodi added.
