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
Trusted Employer Scheme round 2 accelerates international hiring and boosts business confidence in South Africa
20th July 2026 Government has officially opened the long-awaited second window for corporate employers seeking to become part of the Trusted Employer Scheme... →
Procedural certainty in business rescue: What happens when two competing processes occur at the same time
20th July 2026 Business rescue has become an important cornerstone of South African corporate insolvency law, aiming to preserve the value of distressed companies... →
SECTION27 submissions to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights
20th July 2026 As African states face growing pressure to respond to the climate crisis, SECTION27 has filed written submissions as amicus curiae (friend of the... →
JMC mourns two SANDF members, calls for urgent rehabilitation of abandoned mines
20th July 2026 The Junior Mining Council (JMC) extends its deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the two members of the South African... →
The Lily Mine tragedy is South Africa's shame and injustice, revealing the dark side of 32 years of democracy
20th July 2026 There are moments in a nation's history that define its moral character. Moments that reveal whether those entrusted with power truly value the... →
Ramaphosa highlights importance of collaboration during South Africa-Namibia Binational Commission
By: Sabrina Jardim 17th July 2026 Given the shared geology and geographical proximity between South Africa and Namibia, there is a compelling case for closer collaboration in... →
Innovatively expanding infrastructure to accommodate diverse value chains likely to boost Africa's economies
By: Schalk Burger 17th July 2026 Uganda, in 2015, worked with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to build roads in the eastern DRC, which enabled goods manufactured in Uganda... →
Central Africa’s shifting alliances between armies and armed groups
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 17th July 2026 State security forces, militias and vigilante groups increasingly overlap, making insecurity more profitable and conflict harder to resolve. Across... →
Setting the Benchmark: Our 2026 African Legal Awards Nominees
17th July 2026 Werksmans has been shortlisted in the following categories as released by the African Legal Awards 2026 which seeks to recognise legal excellence... →
Procedural certainty in business rescue: Competing commencement processes
17th July 2026 Business rescue has become a cornerstone of South African corporate insolvency law. Introduced by Chapter 6 of the Companies Act 71 of 2008 (“the... →
