BEIJING, Mar. 11 -- China is considering increasing its investment in the mining sector in South Africa, according to South Africa's mines minister.

China has shown much interest in South Africa's manganese, platinum and uranium, and in the processing of the minerals, according to Susan Shabangu, Mineral Resources Minister.

She added that South Africa will carefully consider whether investment from China would yield benefits and hopes to attract as many investors as Australia and Canada.

China established its first RMB mining investment fund last year. The fund focuses on quality domestic and overseas mineral resources as well as listed mining firms with great potential.