South Africa Launches Critical Minerals Strategy and Seeks Public Consultation on Mining Bill

Published: May 21, 2025 23:45

Save

The Minerals Council South Africa has welcomed the release of the country's Critical Minerals Strategy and the announcement of the public consultation on the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Bill (MRDB). Both initiatives were launched by Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe on May 20. The strategy identifies minerals such as platinum, manganese, iron ore, coal, and chrome ore as critical minerals vital to the national economy. The MRDB aims to align mining-related legislation with global trends and economic developments. The strategy and the bill are seen as important tools to unlock the potential of South Africa's mining sector, drive economic growth, and facilitate energy transition at this critical juncture. The Minerals Council has been invited twice by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy to participate in consultations on the main content of the MRDB and to assist the department and Mintek in defining the criteria for critical minerals. Currently, the council is reviewing the strategy and the bill, emphasizing the importance of promoting exploration investment, new mine development, and the long-term sustainable development and expansion of the mining sector.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

2 hours ago

High-Grade NPI Smelter Profits Squeezed as Ore Prices Rise and Sales Prices Dip

[SMM Nickel Flash] Based on nickel ore prices from 25 days ago, smelter profits for high-grade NPI remained high this week. However, from the current raw material side, ore prices from both the Philippines and Indonesia increased, while auxiliary material prices saw a slight pullback, leading to an increase in the cash cost of producing high-grade NPI from spot ore. At the same time, high-grade NPI prices experienced some pullback, making it difficult for smelter profits to see sustained improvement.

2 hours ago

High-Grade NPI Prices Fall, Expected to Stabilize as Chinese New Year Approaches

[SMM Nickel Flash] This week, due to a sharp decline in futures triggering arbitrage selling, high-grade NPI prices fell significantly. However, after the selling activity subsided, upstream quotations and the market center gradually returned to normal levels, supported by cost factors. Looking ahead, as the Chinese New Year holiday approaches, market activity is expected to remain subdued, and high-grade NPI prices are projected to hover at highs with limited fluctuations.

2 hours ago

Nickel Prices Drop: SMM 10-12% High-Grade NPI Down 17.2 Yuan, Indonesia NPI FOB Index Falls 2.06 $/mtu

[SMM Nickel Flash] The SMM average price of 10-12% high-grade NPI fell 17.2 yuan/mtu WoW to 1,035.8 yuan/mtu (ex-factory, tax included), while the Indonesia NPI FOB index average price dropped 2.06 $/mtu WoW to 131.2 $/mtu. At the beginning of the week, futures hit limit-down, and nickel prices fell sharply WoW, driving the emergence of arbitrage supplies sold at low prices, leading to a significant decline in high-grade NPI prices.

2 hours ago