Mining
Mining is the extraction of valuable minerals, metals and other geological materials from the earth, encompassing both surface and underground operations. The sector includes the exploration, development, extraction and processing of resources such as gold, platinum, diamonds, coal, iron-ore, copper, manganese and other commodities. Mining is a capital-intensive industry requiring significant investment in infrastructure, equipment and technology, with operations ranging from small-scale artisanal workings to large multinational corporations. The industry plays a crucial role in global supply chains, providing raw materials for manufacturing, energy generation, construction and technology sectors. In Africa, mining is a cornerstone of many national economies, particularly in South Africa, Botswana, Ghana, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where it contributes substantially to gross domestic product, export earnings and employment. The sector faces ongoing challenges including commodity price volatility, regulatory complexity, environmental and social licence considerations, energy security, water availability and the need to improve safety standards. Technological advancement is increasingly important, with automation, digitalisation, predictive maintenance systems and artificial intelligence being adopted to enhance productivity, reduce costs and improve operational safety. The industry is also under pressure to demonstrate sustainable practices, reduce carbon emissions and contribute to broader socioeconomic development in host communities. Mining's significance extends beyond direct economic contribution, as it supports extensive downstream industries including smelting, refining, manufacturing and logistics.
Mining Updates
SACP pledges its solidarity with Cosatu following the adjournment of its National Congress
18th September 2026 The South African Communist Party (SACP) notes the adjournment on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, of the 15th National Congress of the Congress of... →
Orion sharpens governance ahead of taking on copper producer status 
By: Martin Creamer 17th September 2026 Base metals company Orion Minerals, which on Thursday, September 17 described itself as being on the way to becoming South Africa’s next... →
Zimbabwe seeks $115m Afreximbank loan for State rail operator
By: Reuters 17th September 2026 Zimbabwe's state-owned railway company is negotiating a $115-million facility with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to purchase... →
Africa's greatest mineral asset isn't underground
17th September 2026 The global race for critical minerals is entering a new phase. No longer defined solely by access to mineral reserves, it is increasingly being... →
Exciting Mogalakwena mine has 300-year-plus resource life, Valterra Platinum highlights
By: Martin Creamer 16th September 2026 There is no argument that the Mogalakwena platinum group metals (PGM) mine in South Africa’s Limpopo province is “definitely” the PGM mining... →
Have South Africans always been hostile to migrants? Historians map a chequered history
16th September 2026 Anti-immigrant violence began to sweep across South Africa once again in March 2026. Over the following months an estimated 56 000 Malawians and... →
South Africa has good water laws but bad services. What’s stopping fair access
14th September 2026 Water affects almost every part of daily life: drinking, sanitation, food production, health, jobs and the natural environment. Yet in South... →
BLSA CEO calls for confidence, investment to improve GDP growth
By: Tasneem Bulbulia 14th September 2026 South Africa’s economy contracted by 0.2% in the second quarter, with trade, manufacturing and mining all shrinking. These figures underscore the... →
Proposed illegal-mining laws raise serious questions about enforcement capacity
11th September 2026 Government’s proposed solution for illegal mining could have the unintended effect of making unlawful operations harder to detect if new artisanal... →
Italian companies targeting South African partnerships at Electra Mining Africa
By: Martin Creamer 10th September 2026 Italian companies targeting South African partnerships in areas including mining and energy are attracting attention at this week’s Electra Mining... →
