Does BHP need to be in SA's good graces for an Anglo deal to fly?

BHP's proposed R720 billion takeover deal for Anglo American is among the biggest the mining industry has ever seen, presenting a regulatory minefield that requires the resources giant to win over authorities in several jurisdictions.

One key jurisdiction is undoubtedly South Africa, where the world's largest mining group this week deployed a senior team of executives, including CEO Mike Henry, to woo stakeholders (and potentially try to quash an emerging anti-South African narrative around a possible deal).

BHP has no presence in South Africa, and intends to have little footprint here if it succeeds in having Anglo American spin off the SA platinum and iron ore businesses before it acquires it.