Geoscience Mapping and Exploration

The strategy recommends prioritizing geoscience mapping and exploration to expand the mineral reserve base and sustain long-term sector growth. With South Africa holding 80% of the world’s platinum group metals (PGMs), enhanced geological mapping and exploration will be crucial in unlocking further investment. The Council for Geoscience is leading efforts with its Integrated and Multidisciplinary Geoscience Mapping Program, targeting at least 5% of global exploration spending to flow into South Africa.

Value Addition and Localization

Value addition and localization are also emphasized, with the strategy calling for increased investment in mineral processing and value-added manufacturing. This is expected to boost job creation and reduce reliance on foreign imports, according to the strategy. Key initiatives already underway include the Sishen Ultra-High Dense-Media Separation project, the KwaZulu-Natal Titanium Beneficiation Complex in Richards Bay, and the Thaba Joint Venture project.

R&D Investment and Building

This strategy advocates for enhanced collaboration on research and development (R&D) with global and private stakeholders to strengthen the mineral value chain and provide new opportunities for skills development. In February 2025, South Africa and the European Union committed to deepening cooperation in critical mineral R&D.

Infrastructure and Energy Security

To support the mining sector's needs, the strategy highlights the need for investment in strategic infrastructure and energy security. It recommends enhanced logistics and reliable energy networks to facilitate mining operations. Major strides have already been made, including Transnet securing a 25-year, $1 billion loan from the African Development Bank and an additional $278.8 million from the New Development Bank to modernize South Africa’s freight and port infrastructure. Meanwhile, mining firms such as Northam, Impala, Richards Bay Minerals and Trafigura are investing in renewable energy and power purchase agreements to improve electricity reliability.

Financial Instruments for Local Beneficiation

The strategy addresses the need for enhanced financial instruments to scale value-added activities in the mineral sector. The industry has already attracted support through mechanisms such as private placements, mergers, loans and international partnerships.

Policy and Regulatory Instruments

This strategy advocates the harmonization of policy and regulatory instruments. A revision of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (2002) is underway, with the new Mineral Resources Development Bill (MRDB) of 2025 aiming to improve fiscal terms and create a more attractive regulatory environment to stimulate investment across the mining value chain.

These developments will be further unpacked during the upcoming African Mining Week conference – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders.

African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.