South Africa stands at a decisive moment for its mining industry, shaped not only by rising global demand for critical minerals but also by leveraging the knowledge, skills and research capacity required to extract them responsibly, efficiently and competitively.
Minerals and Petroleum Minister Gwede Mantashe, writing in the document Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy South Africa 2025, stressed that the country’s critical minerals and metals strategy outlines a clear and coordinated roadmap to leverage these natural resources in a manner that promotes inclusive growth, industrial development, job creation, and economic transformation.
“It prioritises exploration, beneficiation at source, research and development, regional integration, financial instruments and energy security, guided by our constitutional commitment to environmental sustainability, social justice, and economic equity.
“This strategy is not just a policy framework, it recognises that the future of our country is inextricably linked to how we develop and manage our mineral wealth.
Mantashe stressed that by strengthening the country’s industrial base and increasing its capacity for value addition, South Africa can unlock significant employment opportunities, stimulate innovation, and advance economic growth priorities.
