News: BHP UPDATE 1-South African regulatory unit verifying information on BHP bid for Anglo

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April 25 (Reuters) - A regulatory unit within South Africa's mining department is still verifying information at its disposal on BHP Group's (BHP) proposed deal for Anglo American AAL.L , a spokesperson for the department said on Thursday.

The South African government will take guidance from the regulatory unit in taking a position on the proposed transaction, the spokesperson added.

BHP bid $38.8 billion for Anglo American on Thursday, offering a deal to forge the world's biggest copper miner and driving its smaller rival's shares higher.

The offer would involve spinning out Anglo American's iron ore and platinum assets in South Africa, a concern for the government a month before a general election given the potential for job losses.

South African state asset manager the Public Investment Corporation, which holds 6.99% of Anglo American shares, said it would assess the proposed deal "to ensure value creation" in a critical part of the South African economy.

The Anglo American group has platinum, iron ore and diamond assets in South Africa.