The Big U.S. Stake in South Africa's Minerals

The economic and strategic importance of South Africa mineral resources to the U.S. and Western industrial economies is fast becoming a major issue among Washington policy planners. However, there are currently disparities between the U.S. and Pretoria over mineral reserves which could lead to costly and mistaken U.S. policy options. The problem for the U.S. government is how to relate its need for South African minerals to African economic integration and political development and at the same time, position itself with American and black African opinion on reform inside South Africa. Recognizing its dependence on South African minerals, especially chrome, manganese, and platinum, marks the beginning of a new debate over earlier policies and a new stage in South African race policies.