Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe has signalled his intention to take a stronger control on the country's platinum output.

The leader, who has recently singled out platinum mining as key to the country's economic future, has announced plans for his government to take a stake in privately-operated mining companies operating in the country.

However, Mr Mugabe has insisted that he does not intend to nationalise the mining industry, as he has done to the country's commercial farming.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Associated Press (AP) at the United Nations World Summit, the president said he intends his government to take a share in mining companies operating in Zimbabwe, stating that it will allow his people to benefit from their own natural resources.

"What we intend to do is for the state to have a stake in the production of some of our minerals - gold, platinum, diamonds," he commented, adding that Zimbabwe is currently behind the likes of Botswana and Namibia in doing this.

Mr Mugabe also looked to reduce international suspicion over his motives in taking such a stake in mining firms, insisting: "We just want to be partners. We are not doing anything unusual, and this is the practice in many countries."


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