Mantashe in Sibanye spat

STRATEGY: TAKES UMBRAGE AT MINING PLAN

- Antony Sguazzin & Alexander Parker

A proposal by South Africa's largest mining company, Sibanye Stillwater, and other business leaders advising President Cyril Ramaphosa on improving ties with the United States has drawn criticism from Minerals and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe, who said it was developed without proper consultation with government or industry.

The plan, involving Sibanye CEO Neal Froneman and board member Rick Menell, was put forward ahead of Ramaphosa's 21 May meeting with US President Donald Trump.

It suggested positioning South Africa as a gateway into Africa to help the US access critical minerals, using the country's mining expertise. Mantashe slammed the proposal as self-serving and said his department, as well as the Minerals Council South Africa, had not been consulted.