BHP Group's proposed bid for Anglo American is a "normal market activity", according to media reports citing President Cyril Ramaphosa's spokesperson.
BHP is reportedly mulling an improved offer for Anglo American after its initial $39 billion proposal was rejected by the diversified mining group last week.
The mining company has until May 22 to make a binding bid.
"It is still early days in terms of the proposal that BHP has submitted to Anglo," spokesperson Vincent Magwenya was quoted by Reuters as saying during a media briefing.
"We will follow like everybody else the process as it unfolds. We don't as a country go out of our way to block market activity."
BHP’s proposal would see Anglo first distribute to shareholders its stakes in Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) and Kumba Iron Ore, both of which operate in South Africa.
Reuters reports any exit by Anglo - started in South Africa in 1917 - would lead to economic devastation.
Some mining companies had been cutting jobs and investments in response to weakening metals prices and local challenges worsened by the state port and freight rail company.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished
