While South Africa is a source of critical minerals, ongoing exploration activity is needed to discover new deposits and grow the country’s minerals resource base, says industry employers’ association Minerals Council South Africa CEO Mzila Mthenjane.

Mthenjane is set to deliver an address on the topic ‘What is critical and why is it critical?’ at this year’s London Indaba, to be held in the UK next month.

“The Minerals Council joins many of its members who are attending the London Indaba to tell South Africa’s mineral investment story, raising the country’s profile and potential for investors.”

Investors become increasingly important, particularly amid a global focus on finding, mining and processing minerals that countries deem critical for their economic and social security, as well as industrial and defence complexes.

South Africa has “immeasurable” mineral potential that can be unlocked with pragmatic and investor-friendly regulations and policies that encourage investment in exploration, mine development and the long-term sustainability of existing operations, Mthenjane adds.

This will not only ensure the long-term sustainability of South Africa’s mining industry but also its exploration sector, stimulating junior mining, bringing new entrants into mining, creating jobs and unlocking new mineral deposits, particularly those needed for a low-carbon future, he posits.

Landing in London

Listening to industry speakers and participating in the London Indaba will enable the Minerals Council South Africa to better understand the international debate about critical minerals, says Minerals Council South Africa communications head Allan Seccombe.

The Indaba will expand on the potential of the African continent to participate further in the supply of critical minerals, as well as emphasise the position the South African mining industry plays on a continental scale as it explores linkages between Southern African countries to benefit economies and citizens in the region.

“The London Indaba, unlike many mining conferences held in South Africa, has a strong international flavour and delegates in attendance,” Seccombe adds, highlighting that securing interest in South Africa as an investment destination for exploration, new mine development and brownfield expansion, is critical.

He says South Africa has, for too long, lagged in the global competition for exploration expenditure, despite its mineral potential, which has ramifications for the long-term sustainability of its mining industry.

All the sessions of the Indaba are relevant to raising the mineral and investment profile of South Africa and Africa on an international stage, with the conference being a valuable source of information sharing and understanding.

The event also lends itself to networking opportunities, which are as valuable as deeper discussions about unlocking South Africa’s mineral potential by sharing insights and experiences.

Minerals Council South Africa is “tirelessly” advocating for a regulatory and operating environment that is conducive to the growth and development of the mining industry, including a drive on the exploration and junior mining front, with a dedicated desk focused on these activities, Mthenjane adds.

“It is critical for the South African mining sector and economy that the potential of the country’s mineral resources is realised for the benefit of its citizens and local economy, as well as to play its role in the global critical minerals economy,” he concludes.