The South African government has urged the country to do more to harness the potential of its pgm mining industry and other natural resources in order to boost the country's economy.

Deputy minerals and energy minister Lulu Xingwana told Business Day that the platinum industry had the opportunity to help South Africa "take its place as an equal partner among the so-called industrial nations of the world".

Noting the growing strength in the South African production of catalytic converters for vehicles, in which platinum is a key component, Ms Xingwana said the country could do more to exploit the natural resources.

Already topping the burgeoning international catalytic converter market, she also added that the jewellery industry could benefit from the mining sector.

Highlighting work being done by mining firms Implats and Harmony among others - who have recently opened a number of jewellery operations - she called for more to be done with the country's mineral resources.

Meanwhile, at the same Mintek conference where Ms Xingwana was speaking, it was revealed that progress is being made in the integration of the South African mining charter since its May launch.

A total of 93 empowerment transactions were recorded between January 2000 and June 2004.