Titled "South Africa and the Global Economy: the Strategic Role of Platinum Group Metals (PGMs)", the research report will be launched by the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA) on Friday, 30 August 2013, at the Gallagher Convention Centre from 09:00. The Minister of Science and Technology, Derek Hanekom, will deliver a keynote address.

MISTRA's 18-month research project on PGMs interrogated the significance of the estimated 85% of the world's PGM reserves in South Africa and Southern Africa. A fundamental question that was probed is how the use of these mineral endowments can position South Africa and the region to establish a significant downstream PGM-based industrial sector.

The launch will share the findings of MISTRA's research, which should contribute to understanding how best the country can manage its mineral resources in the context of a knowledge-based economy.
 
The report examines, among other things –

·       to what extent PGMs are relevant to the emerging hydrogen economy and whether this economy is truly on the rise;

·       what the state is of global research on hydrogen fuel cell technology;

·       what lessons can be learnt from experience on the emergence of a "disruptive technology";

·       whether the country's knowledge base and capabilities are suited to and mobilised for the changes that are required.

The public launch of the report intends to stimulate and sustain a transsectoral conversation on how best to position the country for the emergent hydrogen economy.
 

All media are welcome to attend.

For more information please go to www.mistra.org.za

Or contact Nthabi Maoela at 082 944 0015