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
New cadastre processing W Cape mining licence applications, Parliament hears 
By: Martin Creamer 4th June 2026 The phased rollout of the new online mining licensing system – the cadastre – is progressing steadily, with Western Cape applications being... →
Platinum investment demand broadening to minor PGM metals, SFA (Oxford) points out
By: Martin Creamer 3rd June 2026 The strong ongoing investment demand for platinum is broadening to the minor platinum group metals (PGMs) such as ruthenium and iridium, SFA... →
South Africa can become strong value-add minerals player again, PyroFuZA points out
By: Martin Creamer 2nd June 2026 Look out for PyroFuZA. Those eight letters have the potential to make best use of South Africa’s natural resources and restore South Africa’s... →
SA: Paul Mashatile: Address by Deputy President, on the conclusion of the first leg of his working visit to India (02/06/2026)
2nd June 2026 During the first leg of our Working Visit, we had high-level bilateral meetings with His Excellency Vice President Chandrapuram... →
Motion of desirability on the National Water Amendment Bill adopted by Water and Sanitation committee
2nd June 2026 The Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation has adopted the motion of desirability on the National Water Amendment Bill, paving the way for the... →
HIV in South Africa: why rolling out a groundbreaking new shot will miss a critical group of men
1st June 2026 The first shipment of Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable that prevents HIV with two shots a year, arrived in South Africa from the United States... →
Why military gains are not weakening the ADF in eastern DRC
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 1st June 2026 The ADF’s resilience stems from kidnapping economies, forced recruitment and governance failures that military operations cannot address alone.... →
ActionSA Condemns Threats Against Mpumalanga MPL Thoko Mashiane Amid Madlanga Commission Engagement on Lily Mine Matter
1st June 2026 ActionSA strongly and unequivocally condemns the death threats made against our Member of the Provincial Legislature in Mpumalanga, Thoko Mashiane.... →
The Lobito Corridor: A frontier for transition mineral partnerships in Africa
1st June 2026 Strategic mineral partnerships are reshaping how critical minerals are financed, transported and traded. Rising demand for transition minerals is... →
Mining can unlock growth, skills, job creation, Minerals Council AGM hears
By: Martin Creamer 27th May 2026 With disciplined policy reform, modernisation and partnerships, mining can elevate South Africa’s economic development, industrial capability and... →
