S.Africa suspends disposal of state mining assets

CAPE TOWN Aug 13 (Reuters) - South Africa's cabinet approved a suspension on the disposal of mining assets currently held by state entities, government spokesman Themba Maseko said on Thursday.

Maseko said at a post-cabinet briefing that the moratorium was intended to provide the minister of mineral resources adequate time to conduct and finalise an audit of mining interests held directly or indirectly by the state.

"This audit will enable the state to decide whether to consolidate, retain or dispose of such interests," he said.

"Any exceptions to this moratorium will require discussions with the minister of mineral resources and final approval from cabinet before finalisation." (Reporting by Wendell Roelf; Editing by James Macharia)