South African miner Exxaro Resources has taken a majority share of Perth, Australia-based iron ore explorer African Iron after last-minute acceptances of multi-million dollar offer.

Exxaro's takeover offer was due to expire on Tuesday if it failed to gain acceptance from at least 50 percent of African Iron's share holders.

However, acceptances in the past few days have taken Exxaro's holding in African Iron to 66.6 percent, African Iron said on Wednesday.

"Shareholder support for the bid is clearly evident, with a substantial flow of acceptances in the last few days," African Iron non-executive chairman Ian Burston said in a statement.

As required by the Corporations Act, Exxaro's offer has been extended by 14 days.

Exxaro, which is South Africa's second largest coal producer, has offered 51 cents per share, which will increase to 57 cents per share if the suitor acquires a stake in the target of 75 percent or more.

African Iron's board has recommended shareholders who have yet to accept the Exxaro offer to do so.

African Iron owns the Mayoko project in the Republic of Congo - and Exxaro wants to develop a significant iron ore asset in the rapidly emerging west African region.