Mintek Welcomes the Release of South Africa's Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy by Minister Gwede Mantashe
Mintek warmly welcomes the official release of South Africa's Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy by the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Mr Gwede Mantashe. This landmark document signifies a pivotal step forward in strategically harnessing South Africa's mineral and metal wealth for sustainable economic growth and development in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
The Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy is of paramount importance as it provides a clear framework for enhanced exploration, focused research and development (R&D), expanded local processing and beneficiation, crucial infrastructure development, and the establishment of strategic partnerships to cultivate advanced mineral and metal processing capabilities for industries and technologies shaping the future.
Notably, the strategy defines critical minerals and metals specifically for the South African context, outlines the criteria used for this classification, and presents the definitive List of Critical Minerals and Metals for South Africa. This clarity is essential for guiding investment, innovation, and infrastructure development in this strategically important sector, particularly given the shifting global dynamics.
Dr Molefi Motuku, CEO of Mintek, stated, "The release of the Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy by Minister Gwede Mantashe marks a watershed moment for South Africa's mining and metals sector. Mintek is honoured to have contributed significantly to its development, and we are resolutely committed to supporting its ambitious implementation across all critical pillars. This includes invigorating exploration activities, driving impactful and future-oriented R&D, achieving significant advancements in local processing and beneficiation, building essential infrastructure, and forging strategic partnerships that enable advanced capabilities.
This strategy provides a clear and dynamic roadmap for strategically harnessing our critical mineral and metal resources for profound and sustainable economic growth, firmly establishing South Africa as a proactive and globally competitive leader in the evolving minerals and metals landscape. We eagerly anticipate working collaboratively with all stakeholders to achieve the transformative goals outlined in this vital document."
Mintek believes that the implementation of this strategy holds transformative potential for the South African economy. By strategically focusing on invigorated exploration to identify new resources, making targeted investments in essential infrastructure, aggressively promoting local processing and beneficiation on a larger scale, and forging impactful strategic partnerships for sophisticated capabilities, South Africa can move beyond simply leveraging its resources to actively shaping higher-value industries, creating substantial new skilled jobs, and significantly increasing export earnings.
“This comprehensive and forward-looking approach will not only enhance the economic contribution of the mining and metals sector but also firmly position South Africa as a proactive and influential player in the global transition towards a greener and more technologically advanced future” concluded Motuku.