South African Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe opened the 32nd edition of Investing in African Mining Indaba on Monday, emphasising the urgent need for Africa to unite in the face of global geopolitical challenges. In a speech delivered at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Mr Mantashe warned against attempts by developed economies to control the natural resources of developing countries, most of which are located on the African continent.
"This dynamic poses a serious threat to the sovereignty of resource-rich countries," said the minister, referring to increased tensions due to international competition. This year's theme, "Stronger Together: Progress Through Partnerships," is not just a slogan, but a "strategic imperative" for Africa, he said. He calls for collective action, a united voice and the avoidance of a "destructive race to the bottom" in interactions with world powers and investors.
Strengthening continental leadership on critical minerals
Mr Mantashe highlighted the second edition of the African Ministers' Roundtable on Critical Minerals, organised in partnership with the African Union. This platform brings together governments, investors and strategic partners to consolidate continental leadership on these essential resources. The aim is to deepen collaboration, accelerate responsible exploration and exploitation, and ensure that Africa derives greater value from its mineral endowment.
In line with last year's consensus, partnerships must go beyond extraction to include industrialisation and value addition closer to production sites. In 2024, South Africa launched an in-depth study on the state of the mining sector, alongside the development of its Critical Minerals Strategy. "I am delighted to announce that this work is now complete. The strategy is in place and its implementation is underway," said the minister. This progress, in line with the G20 declaration, positions not only South Africa but the entire continent to assert greater control over its strategic resources.
Regulatory reforms to boost exploration
A central pillar of this strategy is the review of the regulatory framework. Mr Mantashe reaffirmed the government's commitment to creating a more certain, predictable and transparent environment that is attractive to investment, while ensuring that the benefits are shared fairly with all South Africans.
Among the key measures is the removal of the requirement to participate in Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) at the prospecting stage. "This is not a step backwards in terms of transformation, nor is it an endorsement of the mistaken view that black participation is an obstacle to economic growth. It is a pragmatic recognition that exploration is a high-risk phase where no economic value has yet been proven," explained the minister. This reform aims to stimulate exploration, increase South Africa's global share of exploration investment, and expand the pipeline of future mines.
Efforts are already bearing fruit. New geological data reveals substantial untapped mineral potential beneath South African soil. A notable example is the success of projects supported by the Junior Mining Exploration Fund (JMEF). In the Bothaville district of the Free State, a JMEF-funded project has progressed to an intensive drilling phase targeting rare earth elements and associated minerals, demonstrating that the underground potential remains largely unknown.
The second round of the JMEF is underway, with 80 applications received for minerals such as tin, tungsten, titanium, uranium, gold, antimony, arsenic, fluorspar, copper and lithium. To further accelerate exploration, the Minister invited attendees to attend the launch of the Virtual Core Library by the Council for Geoscience (CGS) at the South African pavilion. This national initiative will transform the access, sharing and use of geological data, making South Africa more attractive for exploration investment.
Ongoing investments and mining safety
Despite ongoing regulatory review, investment in the sector continues. Recent developments include the opening of the Qala Shallows gold mine by West Wits Mining, the Arnot OpCo open pit mine, the Naudesbank mine by Seriti, the start of production at Ivanplats' Platreef mine, and Ikoti Coal's underground operations.
Between February 2025 and January 2026, the department granted 358 prospecting rights and 32 mining rights, demonstrating continued confidence in South Africa as a mining destination of choice. "We are committed to honouring this confidence by promoting a fair, efficient and transparent licensing system that supports growth while protecting our national interests," Mr Mantashe assured.
In conclusion, the minister praised the South African mining industry for recording the lowest number of mining fatalities: 41 in 2025, surpassing the 42 recorded in 2024. "Although one life lost is one too many, this shows that our collective efforts are bringing us closer to the Zero Harm goal," he said.
This edition of Mining Indaba, which brings together ministers, industry leaders, investors, trade union representatives, civil society and communities, focuses on sustainable partnerships for an inclusive and prosperous mining future in Africa.