Towards a critical minerals strategy for South Africa

Abstract

The global transition towards renewable energy and advanced battery technologies has increased demand for critical minerals, necessitating strategic mineral resources management. South Africa, endowed with vast mineral wealth, has yet to formalise its critical minerals strategy (CMS) to align with global best practices and secure its position in the changing minerals economy. This study explores the foundational elements required to develop a CMS by analysing established strategies from leading mining economies which are the United States, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and India, and assessing their applicability to the South African context. Using a qualitative case study research approach, this research examined critical mineral policies, regulatory frameworks, stakeholder relations, and supply chain strategies across these case study nations. The findings highlight key themes, including, national security, supply chain diversification, sustainability, stakeholder collaboration, and technological innovation, all of which are important for a robust but dynamic CMS. The study also covered South Africa’s opportunities and challenges, emphasising the need for policy coherence, investment in research and development, mineral exploration and infrastructure development. The paper concludes with recommendations for South Africa’s CMS discussing elements that can leverage South Africa’s mineral resources for economic transformation, industrial development and global competitiveness. This study contributes to academic discourse on resource governance by providing a structured framework for emerging economies to navigate the critical minerals development in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.