Mining and Critical Minerals - Brand South Africa

Mining and Critical Minerals

This isn’t legacy mining. It’s strategic resource control

South Africa holds 80% of the world’s platinum group metals, 70% of global manganese reserves, and significant deposits of chrome, gold, coal, and rare earth elements critical to the global energy transition

This isn’t legacy mining. It’s strategic resource control: battery metals for EVs, PGMs for hydrogen fuel cells, manganese for steel and batteries, and rare earths for wind turbines and defense systems.

With established mining law, deep technical expertise, and export infrastructure to global markets, South Africa offers investors the geology, legal certainty, and industrial base to secure critical mineral supply chains.

Mining and Critical Minerals

Success Stories

Major producers—Anglo American Platinum, Sibanye-Stillwater, Glencore, South32—operate here. New investment is flowing into green minerals: vanadium for energy storage, lithium for batteries, and graphite for EV anodes.

Gamsberg Zinc Mine

US$400M project

250,000 tonnes zinc annually

3,500+ jobs

Vedanta Resources: Gamsberg Zinc Mine

Vedanta, the India-based resources group, invested US$400M to develop the Gamsberg zinc mine in the Northern Cape. As Africa’s largest zinc operation, Gamsberg contributes significantly to global supply chains, with a capacity of 250,000 tonnes annually. The project has created over 3,500 jobs during construction and operations, while bolstering beneficiation in local communities.

Vedanta Zinc International releases, 2023 | Engineering News, 2024

Ferrochrome & Coal Investments

R25B+ since 2018

World’s #1 ferrochrome producer

Thousands of jobs

Major coal exports

Glencore: Ferrochrome & Coal Investments

Glencore, the Swiss commodities giant, has invested R25B+ (US$1.3B) since 2018 in its South African ferrochrome and coal operations. Its smelters in Mpumalanga and the North West make South Africa the world’s largest ferrochrome producer, while its coal exports underpin global energy security. Investments include modernisation for environmental compliance and capacity expansions, supporting thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

Glencore SA Sustainability Report, 2024 | Mining Weekly, 2023

Venetia Underground Expansion

US$2B investment

Potential US$500M+ update (2025)

4,300+ jobs

Mine life extended 20 years

Anglo American: Venetia Underground Expansion

Anglo American, the UK-headquartered mining major, committed US$2 billion (R30B) to transition the Venetia diamond mine in Limpopo from open-pit to underground operations. This expansion extends the mine’s life by two decades, securing South Africa’s position in the global diamond supply chain. The project directly employs over 4,300 workers and anchors Anglo’s De Beers division in the country.

De Beers/Anglo American press release, 2023 | Mining Weekly, 2024

Richards Bay Minerals Revival

US$463M approved (2019)

Potential US$500M+ update (2025)

5,000 jobs; 95% export-oriented

500MW renewables secured

Rio Tinto: Richards Bay Minerals Revival

Rio Tinto, the Anglo-Australian mining giant, approved a US$463 million expansion at Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) in 2019. After delays, the project is advancing toward revival in 2025 via a pilot programme, with full board approval targeted for the first half of the year. The renewed commitment is anchored by long-term renewable power purchase agreements (500MW secured in 2025) and a strategic review designed to stabilise operations. RBM remains one of the world’s largest producers of mineral sands, supplying titanium dioxide feedstock for aerospace, coatings, and medical industries. South Africa’s deepwater port at Richards Bay, skilled workforce, and established export chains make it the logical base for Rio Tinto’s African titanium ambitions.

Rio Tinto press releases (2019–2025) | MiningMX | Reuters; Energy PPAs disclosures

Platreef & Copper Projects

R4.2B US$1.5B investment

2,500 jobs

World-class battery metals deposit

Ivanhoe Mines: Platreef & Copper Projects

Canada’s Ivanhoe Mines is investing US$1.5 billion in the Platreef palladium, platinum, rhodium, and nickel project in Limpopo. Phase 1 construction began in 2022, with production targeted for 2024/25. Platreef is one of the world’s largest undeveloped deposits, giving South Africa a new anchor in PGMs and battery metals critical for EVs. Ivanhoe is also advancing its joint venture on the Kamoa-Kakula copper complex in the DRC, using South Africa as its regional base for financing and engineering talent. The Platreef mine is expected to generate 2,500 permanent jobs and boost downstream beneficiation.

Ivanhoe Mines Investor Update 2024 | Engineering News 2023

Mining and Critical Minerals

What the world says

From investors to industry leaders, each testimony offers an outside view of the country’s reform momentum, economic resilience, and growing global influence. Together, they reveal how South Africa is shaping — and being shaped by — the future of investment, innovation, and partnership.

McKinsey Global Institute — Big Five (2015, contextualised 2023–25)

“Five initiatives alone could by 2030 add R1 trillion to GDP and create 3.4 million jobs.”

Context / Impact:
McKinsey identified reforms in mining, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and education as key levers. These remain relevant today, converging with SA’s current reform agenda.

Why it matters for investors:
Validates SA’s long-term structural upside, anchored in tangible, investable systems.

McKinsey Global Institute – South Africa’s Big Five

PwC Strategy& — SA Outlook (Jan 2025)

“South Africa’s macroeconomic outlook at the start of 2025 is notably better… much more to be positive about than 12 months ago.”

Context / Impact:
PwC cites lower inflation, easing interest rates, and improved sentiment following the GNU. Forecasts GDP growth of 0.5–1.3%.

Why it matters for investors:
Confirms improving cycle—supportive rates and sentiment reduce hurdle rates for projects.

Source: PwC South Africa Economic Outlook 2025

IMF — Article IV Consultation (Jan 2025)

“Directors welcomed South Africa’s new Government of National Unity… The fresh mandate offers an historic opportunity to pursue ambitious reforms.”

Context / Impact:
The IMF projects GDP growth to accelerate to 1.5% in 2025 (from 0.9% in 2024), supported by stabilised electricity supply, reform momentum, and improving confidence.

Why it matters for investors:
Signals macro stability and a reform runway—improving risk-adjusted returns and policy predictability.

Source: IMF Article IV Summary 2025

Mining and Critical Minerals