Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe has revealed that he is looking to create a state mining operation through a joint venture with Chinese investors.

Speaking in relation to his country's growing ties to Eastern countries as the Western world continues to criticise his regime, Mr Mugabe announced that his government is in negotiations with platinum miner Zimplats about exploiting some of the company's under-utilised claims.

Zimplats remains locked in an ongoing dispute with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) over tax claims, but Mr Mugabe appears confident of negotiating a deal with the company.

According to Reuters, the president also stated his intention to press on with his black empowerment plans, which would include the creation of any state miner.

Mr Mugabe has previously emphasised the importance of platinum mining to his plans for bolstering his country's ailing economy and earlier this year visited China in what was widely believed to be a bid to find investors.

Despite heavy international pressure on China not to become involved with Mr Mugabe's regime, these new comments suggest his trip proved fruitful.


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