** The approach of South Africa towards critical minerals: towards a sustainable development strategy? **
The Minister of Mineral and Oil Resources, Gwede Mantashe, recently shared a strategic vision for the South African mining sector. By identifying critical minerals such as platinum, manganese, coal and chrome, the government aspires to catalyze economic development, to create jobs and to strengthen national security. This initiative raises many questions about the long -term implications of such a strategy for the local economy and the environment, as well as on the position of South Africa in the global context of resources.
### An ambitious strategy
The strategy of South Africa, accompanied by the Mineral Resources Development Bill, aims to provide a regulatory clarity and optimize the country’s participation in the global mineral market. By emphasizing the importance of treating critical minerals not in insulation, but as an integral part of a wider technological ecosystem, Mantashe shows a systemic vision that could orient investments towards emerging technologies such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
Recognition of minerals such as gold, vanadium and lithium underlines the strategic opportunities available to South Africa to win in the international mining sector. However, it is advisable to wonder whether this approach, focused on industrialization and value creation, will be able to overcome the historical challenges linked to mining in the country.
### Balance economic development and sustainability
One of the major concerns remains the environmental impact of mining activities. While the South African mining sector significantly contributes to gross domestic product (R201 billion) and employment (457,000 people), the sustainability of operating practices raises questions. How to guarantee that this development is not done at the expense of biodiversity and local communities? The debate on the consequences of an intensive exploitation of natural resources is more relevant than ever.
Mantashe also evokes the need to avoid a “Pit to Port” model which has historically led to the export of raw materials without local transformation. The transition to a model where the added value occurs locally is essential to strengthen the economy. This would not only be beneficial for local development, but could also stimulate skills in the mineral treatment industries.
### The importance of foreign investment
Another crucial aspect of this strategy concerns the attraction of foreign investments. With only 0.82 % of global investments in mining, the challenge is to convince investors to take an interest in the South African industry. The Minister’s statements highlight the objective of bringing this figure to 5 %. The question that arises is what concrete measures will be implemented to create an attractive investment environment, and if the political and regulatory climate will meet the expectations of investors.
### to increased training in the mining sector
The project to create a mining school at the University of North West is a step in the right direction to meet skills needs in the sector. However, it remains to be analyzed whether this initiative will be sufficient to fill the gap in terms of training and competence. The training must be adapted to modern challenges with which the sector is faced, including digitalization and sustainable practices.
### Conclusion
The strategy developed by South Africa in critical minerals represents a significant opportunity to redirect the country’s mining landscape to a more sustainable and economically viable future. However, for this strategy to succeed, a delicate balance must be maintained between economic ambitions and expectations in terms of environmental and social sustainability. The questions remain numerous as to the effective implementation of these policies, their impact on local communities and the ability of South Africa to position itself as a key player on the world scene. The rest of the events will be decisive to assess whether this new approach will contribute to a real transformation of the mining sector in the country.