South Africa is to gain the expertise of emerging market giant India in its mineral industry, as it looks to add value to its natural resources before they are exported.

Indian ministry of mines secretary Shantanu Consul said India had offered to assist South Africa in mineral beneficiation at the third India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) summit in Delhi last week

IBSA is a forum for the three countries to develop a closer relationship as well stimulating greater South-South trade.

The assistance from India is expected to include facilitating investment in South Africa by India's state-owned and private sector firms, as well as furthering skills development.