(Reuters) -Global mining giant BHP Group is considering a potential buyout of British multinational mining company Anglo American Plc, Bloomberg News reported, citing people with knowledge of the matter.

Deliberations are at an early stage and there is no certainty that BHP will go ahead with the potential deal according to the people, the report said on Thursday.

The British mining firm had a market capitalisation of $36.71 billion as of Wednesday's close, according to LSEG data.

BHP and Anglo American did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.

The global mining sector has seen a recent slew of merger and acquisitions despite rising concerns around the economic outlook of one of the world's largest metals buyer, China.

Both the mining firms have recently identified potash as an important business which would complement their mining operations in an environment where demand for food grows.

BHP is currently focussing on its Jansen potash project in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan whereas Anglo American has its hopes on the Woodsmith potash mine in Yorkshire.

($1 = 1.5401 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Rishav Chatterjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila)