Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe has repeated his threat to take a 51 per cent stake in all foreign-owned mines.

Speaking at a political rally, Mr Mugabe was forthright in saying that his government was now pursuing the policy, although he gave no further details.

His speech comes shortly after more confidence had grown among the industry that a more conciliatory policy could be negotiated.

"We've decided by way of policy as government that we shall now pursue a policy whereby the government and people will insist on equity of 50-51 per cent," said Mr Mugabe.

"To those who don't want to accept this, we say goodbye and good luck. Leave it, take it, it's up to you."

The speech comes just a day after a report from Platts suggested the government may agree a less confrontational deal with foreign miners.

Sources in the country told the agency that the regime might take a much smaller share than the 51 per cent first demanded.

Zimbabwe has the second largest deposits of platinum of any country in the world, but these are not currently being used to their potential due to the economic and political uncertainty in the country.

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