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
Eland mine heading for complete greenness, Northam Platinum highlights 
By: Martin Creamer 28th August 2026 Northam Platinum is looking to establish the Eland mine as South Africa’s first platinum group metals (PGMs) mine operating solely on renewable... →
Congo's president calls for national dialogue to ease tensions, rebels excluded
By: Reuters 28th August 2026 Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi has unveiled plans for a national dialogue aimed at easing political tensions, which have... →
Northam Platinum’s operating profit soars 293%, record cash dividend declared
By: Martin Creamer 28th August 2026 The operating profit of platinum group metals (PGMs) and chrome mining company Northam Platinum increased by more than 293% in its 2026 financial... →
Africa's greatest mineral asset isn't underground
27th August 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... →
Exxaro driving modernisation, reviewing what mine of future could look like
By: Martin Creamer 26th August 2026 South Africa’s Exxaro Resources is reviewing what the mine of the future could look like amid a modernisation drive, Exxaro CEO Ben Magara pointed... →
South African miners accelerate shift to renewable power to cut Eskom reliance
By: Reuters 26th August 2026 South Africa's mining firms are accelerating investment in renewable energy as they seek to diversify power sources, cut costs and meet... →
New ‘Construction Book’ features 110 projects for procurement in next 12 to 18 months
By: Terence Creamer 25th August 2026 The third edition of South Africa’s ‘Construction Book’, which lists 110 infrastructure projects that are expected to enter procurement over the... →
CSIR tests digital rock-sounding technology at Harmony Gold’s Mponeng mine
By: Martin Creamer 25th August 2026 South Africa's Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), through the Mandela Mining Precinct's advanced orebody knowledge programme,... →
Infrastructure South Africa promises quarterly updates ahead of release of third edition of ‘Construction Book’
By: Terence Creamer 24th August 2026 Infrastructure South Africa has indicated that it plans to offer quarterly status reports on the projects that are included in its so-called... →
Business, govt unanimous on economic growth plan, jobs target
By: Lumkile Nkomfe 24th August 2026 The Presidency and business organisation Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) have united behind the plan, announced last week, to lift economic... →
