Mining giant Anglo American said on Thursday it has told President Jacob Zuma it wants to "work constructively" with government.

Chief executive Cynthia Carroll met Zuma while he was on a state visit to the United Kingdom.

Carroll updated Zuma on Anglo American's strategy and plans, the company said in a statement.

"I emphasised to President Zuma Anglo American's continued commitment to investment, transformation and job creation in South Africa and to working closely and constructively with government," Carroll said.

She discussed Anglo American's groundbreaking development in January, when it announced it was the first mining company to have a project accepted to the Business Call to Action ? a global initiative challenging companies to apply their expertise, technology and innovation to tackle poverty, promote growth in developing countries and contribute to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals.

"The Anglo American project, which is a spin-off from its Anglo Zimele initiative, will establish 12 enterprise development hubs in high-unemployment areas in South Africa," the group said.

"The venture is expected to create 25 000 new jobs in up to 1500 new businesses across the country over the next seven years."