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
Solidarity warns: Don't repeat these industrial policy mistakes
7th August 2026 Solidarity identified economic growth as the most critical requirement for industrial development, job protection and job creation during a... →
Is South African mining’s modernisation urgency falling largely on deaf ears? 
By: Martin Creamer 6th August 2026 Despite South African mining ending up tenth in a ten-country global benchmarking exercise, two-thirds of the respondents who participated in a... →
Glencore half-year earnings up 86% to $10bn
By: Martin Creamer 5th August 2026 Diversified mining and marketing company Glencore has delivered another strong operational and financial performance for the first half of the... →
Lithium mining for green power triggers eco-outcry from South African farmers
By: Reuters 4th August 2026 Mining lithium for batteries is a growing part of South Africa's plan to use the global shift towards green energy to revive its economy, but now... →
Considerable room to increase mining’s innovation intensity, survey finds
By: Martin Creamer 4th August 2026 The results of a study on the modernisation of South African mining indicate that there is considerable room to increase innovation participation... →
AI helping to develop alloys for use in new applications, Valterra Platinum reports
By: Martin Creamer 3rd August 2026 Can you use AI to find new markets for platinum group metals (PGMs)? “The simple answer is yes,” was the reply of Valterra Platinum CEO Craig... →
Mali says mining-backed fund could unlock up to $800 million for infrastructure projects
By: Reuters 3rd August 2026 Mali could leverage revenues from recent mining sector reforms to raise up to 500-billion CFA francs ($883.1-million) for energy, water and... →
SA: Cyril Ramaphosa: Address by South Africa's President, at the opening of the Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Farm (31/07/2026)
3rd August 2026 It is here that generations of coal miners, power plant workers, engineers, artisans, technicians and entrepreneurs helped to build the modern... →
ARM highlights value of Bokoni platinum project, restart of nickel mine
By: Martin Creamer 31st July 2026 Bokoni and Nkomati are two of African Rainbow Minerals’ (ARM’s) 100%-owned flagship projects that are poised to unlock significant long-term value... →
Goldman sees more South Africa rating upgrades on strong revenue
By: Bloomberg 31st July 2026 South Africa’s revenue outperformance puts the country on course for further credit-ratings upgrades over the next year, Goldman Sachs Group Inc.... →
