President Jacob Zuma on Thursday announced a review of the country's tax policies, including the mining tax regime.

"Later this year, the minister of finance will be commissioning a study of our current tax policies, to make sure that we have an appropriate revenue base to support public spending," Zuma said in his state-of-the-nation address.

"Part of this study, will evaluate the current mining royalties regime, with regard to its ability to suitably serve our people."