Building on this landmark success, the 19th edition of the Africa Energy Indaba returns to the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from March 2-7, 2027, promising to drive investment, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate actionable solutions for Africa’s energy future. Africa holds the world’s greatest untapped energy potential. With rapid demand growth, abundant natural resources,  including solar, wind, hydropower, gas, and critical minerals, and expanding investment pipelines, the continent stands at the cusp of a transformative era. The Africa Energy Indaba 2027 will serve as the premier platform where these elements converge to power economic growth, industrialisation, and sustainable development across the region.

“Following the resounding success of the 2026 edition, which highlighted the urgency of energy security, regional cooperation, and infrastructure development, we are elevating the conversation even further,” said the organisers. “The 2027 Indaba will move from high-level dialogue to tangible outcomes, deal-making, project announcements, technology showcases, and policy alignment that deliver real impact on the ground.”

The event will feature a world-class conference programme, a dynamic exhibition showcasing cutting-edge energy solutions, and high-level side events. Delegates can expect in-depth discussions on power generation, renewable energy integration, grid modernisation, energy access, just transition strategies, and innovative financing models tailored to African realities.

For exhibitors and sponsors, participation in Africa Energy Indaba 2027 offers unmatched exposure to senior decision-makers. Attendees include ministers, utility executives, independent power producers (IPPs), investors, developers, regulators, and industry leaders actively seeking partnerships and solutions. Sponsors and exhibitors gain strengthened brand credibility, direct access to high-value deal flow, and the opportunity to position themselves at the forefront of Africa’s evolving energy landscape.

With more than 600 million Africans still lacking reliable electricity, the Indaba underscores the critical role of energy in unlocking prosperity. It facilitates cross-border collaboration, supports the scaling of renewable and conventional energy projects, and addresses the intersection of energy with industrialisation, climate goals, and community development.

The fully immersive, in-person experience at the CTICC ensures meaningful networking and knowledge exchange without parallel. Bookings for conference delegates, exhibition space, and partnership opportunities are now open. Africa’s energy revolution is underway.

The Africa Energy  Indaba 2027 is where strategy meets execution, where ideas become investments and potential becomes power.

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Kusile is now fully operational, contributing 4,800 megawatts to the national grid. It stands as one of Eskom’s most reliable stations, with an average Energy Availability Factor of 74%, occasionally reaching 90%.

Since the final unit was brought online in September last year, Ramaphosa expressed satisfaction that Eskom’s build programme is complete.

“The build programme created nearly 40,000 jobs, with more than half directly linked to Kusile. Eskom has also invested heavily in surrounding communities,” he said.

Currently, Kusile is operated by a permanent workforce of over 600 full‑time employees, supported by around 1,000 contractors during major maintenance periods.

Equipped with advanced technology to reduce harmful emissions, Kusile will play a key role in South Africa’s transition to a diverse, low‑carbon energy mix alongside renewable energy.

Looking ahead, Ramaphosa announced that the state will invest R1 trillion in infrastructure over the next three years.

“We are determined that all infrastructure projects deliver value for South Africans and are planned, financed, constructed and maintained in strict compliance with the law. Let us ensure that this power station and all our strategic assets are managed with integrity and foresight, so they may serve the country into the future,” he said.

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Held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, the annual Africa Energy Indaba brings together energy leaders, policymakers, investors and development partners to address Africa’s most pressing energy challenges and opportunities. The platform focuses on strengthening energy security, boosting regional integration and accelerating investment across the continent’s energy sector.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that the gathering represents more than just a policy dialogue. It is an opportunity for Africa to align its ambitions and act collectively to deliver reliable and affordable energy for its people.

“This indaba is an opportunity to harness our collective efforts towards realising an Africa that meets its needs for reliable and cost-effective energy, while becoming a competitive exporter of energy in a rapidly changing global market.

“There has never been a better time for Africa to advance its energy security, resilience and sustainability. With its abundant natural resources, our continent holds immense potential for energy generation,” the President said.

Unlocking Africa’s Natural Energy Advantage

Africa possesses a remarkable range of energy resources. The continent is rich in oil and gas reserves, critical minerals and renewable energy potential, including solar, wind, hydroelectric and hydrogen fuel cell energy.

Despite these advantages, millions of Africans still live without reliable electricity. According to the International Energy Agency, approximately 600 million people across the continent lack access to power, creating barriers to economic growth and industrial development.

President Ramaphosa explained that the consequences of this energy deficit extend far beyond electricity shortages.

“This energy gap exists in the context of a growing continental population, rising urbanisation and renewed efforts to industrialise and integrate into the global economy. In this environment, access to reliable electricity is a competitive differentiator.

“Industrialisation cannot take place without secure supply chains, resilient villages, towns and cities, and reliable, affordable and scalable energy,” he said.

To close this gap, the President highlighted the need for an interconnected energy system that strengthens collaboration between African economies.

He proposed an integrated approach that links national energy systems across the continent, enabling countries to share resources and support each other’s economic growth.

Building a Pipeline of Energy Investment

Ramaphosa pointed to the African Union’s Agenda 2063 as a central framework guiding the continent’s long-term development, with modern infrastructure and integrated energy systems forming a core part of that vision.

A key step toward achieving this goal is the Ten-Year Africa Energy Infrastructure Investment Plan, which was launched under South Africa’s G20 Presidency.

“The plan recognises that Africa’s energy needs are too large to be met by incremental projects.

“There needs to be a coherent pipeline of bankable investments, supported by credible institutions, predictable regulation and partnerships,” President Ramaphosa said.

He noted that while governments cannot fund all infrastructure development on their own, public finance can play an important role in unlocking private sector investment.

“Public finance cannot fund the full scale of Africa’s infrastructure needs alone…it can play a catalytic role in project preparation, credit enhancement and risk reduction”.

“The significance of the Ten-Year Africa Energy Infrastructure Investment Plan lies in its ability to organise the pipeline of projects in a manner that is credible to financiers and valuable to economies,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President also highlighted the increasingly complex global energy environment in which African economies must operate.

The Africa Energy Indaba comes at a time when global energy markets remain volatile. Ongoing conflict in the Middle East has placed strain on supply chains and contributed to rising energy prices.

Ramaphosa warned that geopolitical disruptions continue to expose the vulnerability of economies that rely heavily on imported energy.

“As we have seen with Russia-Ukraine and during the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting geopolitical sands underscore the vulnerabilities of import-dependent economies across Africa.

“These vulnerabilities sharpen the case for regional and continental energy security and diversification. As such, this Indaba is timely and strategic. It is an opportunity to position our continent in a rapidly changing geopolitical context,” he said.

Despite these challenges, the President expressed strong confidence in Africa’s ability to transform its energy landscape and drive economic growth.

“Africa has what it needs to succeed. It has resources. It has people. It has growing institutions and expanding cooperation. The remaining task is to match this potential with sustained implementation, to translate plans into projects, and to turn projects into reliable power that supports industry, jobs and dignity.

“The present moment calls for unity of effort. It calls for partnerships that recognise that Africa’s growth is not a risk to be managed, but an opportunity to be realised. It calls for a shift from potential to delivery, from promise to construction

“I am confident that this Indaba will help strengthen cooperation, accelerate investment and contribute to building energy systems worthy of Africa’s promising future,” President Ramaphosa concluded.

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The Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, together with Deputy Minister Graham Maré, will participate in a high-level programme designed to drive energy security, regional integration and infrastructure investment across the continent.

The Indaba brings together African energy leaders, policymakers, investors and development partners to advance energy security, regional integration and investment across the continent. South Africa’s participation signals a firm commitment to shaping Africa’s energy transition and strengthening cross-border collaboration.

Minister Ramokgopa’s Programme Highlights

Tuesday, 3 March 2026

The Minister will begin the Indaba with a 09:15 Opening Address, setting the tone for discussions on Africa’s power future.

At 09:40 – 09:50, he will preside over the Official Opening of the Exhibition and Meet-and-Greet with Exhibitors, engaging directly with innovators and industry stakeholders showcasing cutting-edge energy technologies.

At 12:30, the Minister will participate in the Ministerial Roundtable on the Africa Ten-Year Infrastructure Investment Plan for Cross-Border Interconnectivity (TYIIP).

The Ministerial Roundtable will focus on accelerating priority transmission and power infrastructure projects across the continent, strengthening project preparation, improving coordination, and mobilising public and private investment.

This roundtable is expected to play a crucial role in advancing transmission corridors and cross-border interconnectors, essential for unlocking regional power trade and grid stability.

Wednesday, 4 March 2026

At 09:00, the Minister will attend the Official Opening Ceremony, which includes welcome remarks and the introduction of the President of the Republic of South Africa, followed by a Keynote Address by Cyril Ramaphosa.

In the afternoon, from 14:00 – 16:00, the Department will host the South African Investment Forum, profiling investment opportunities in South Africa’s energy sector. The forum aims to attract both local and international capital into generation, transmission and clean energy infrastructure projects.

Thursday, 5 March 2026

The final day of the Indaba places a strong emphasis on nuclear and global partnerships.

At 09:00, Minister Ramokgopa will deliver a Keynote Address at the Nuclear Forum, followed by the Signing of the Declaration to Triple Global Nuclear Capacity by 2050 with the World Nuclear Association.

This move aligns South Africa with global efforts to expand low-carbon baseload power capacity and support long-term energy security.

At 10:30, the Minister will deliver Opening Remarks at Mission 300 Day, a collaborative session involving the World Bank, African Development Bank, GEAPP, SE4ALL and the Rockefeller Foundation, where countries will sign compact agreements to accelerate energy access and reform initiatives.

Deputy Minister Graham Maré’s Programme Highlights

Tuesday, 3 March 2026

From 10:00 – 10:30, Deputy Minister Maré will deliver a presentation at the Clean Cooking Deep Dive Session.

The Deputy Minister’s presentation will highlight South Africa’s efforts to expand access to clean cooking solutions, reduce energy poverty, and improve health and environmental outcomes, particularly for vulnerable communities.

Clean cooking remains a critical pillar of energy access, particularly in underserved regions where traditional fuels continue to impact public health and environmental sustainability.

Wednesday, 4 March 2026

At 07:00, Deputy Minister Maré will deliver a Keynote Address at the Women in Energy Forum under the theme:

“Powering Africa’s Transition: A conversation with and by Women in Energy Decision-Making Level.”

This engagement underscores the importance of inclusive leadership and gender representation in shaping Africa’s energy transition.

Strengthening Africa’s Energy Future

The Department’s participation at the 2026 Africa Energy Indaba underscores South Africa’s commitment to regional energy integration, infrastructure development, clean energy transitions and sustainable investment across the continent.

From cross-border transmission planning and nuclear cooperation to clean cooking solutions and investment mobilisation, South Africa is positioning itself as both a regional leader and a collaborative partner in Africa’s energy transformation.

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Speaking during the State of the Province Address at Nasrec in Johannesburg, Lesufi made it clear that decisive action is already underway.

“We are pleased that these soldiers have already arrived in our province,” said the Premier.

Illegal mining in Gauteng has reached intolerable levels, severely disrupting communities and threatening lives. In January 2026 alone, more than 600 families, including women and children, were forced to flee their homes due to violence, intimidation and attacks carried out by what Lesufi described as “marauding gangsters.”

The crisis spans several key areas of the province, including the West Rand, Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg and Sedibeng Districts. Communities in these regions have faced increasing instability as heavily armed Zama Zamas compete for control of mining sites.

“Dangerous syndicates use high calibre weapons such as AK 47s to conduct hostile takeovers of illegal mining sites. Government will put a stop to this terror and protect law abiding residents of this province,” said the Premier.

The scale of weaponry involved highlights the organised and militarised nature of illegal mining networks operating in Gauteng. Lesufi pointed to a recent joint operation in the West Rand as evidence that government is intensifying its response.

“This was followed by a joint operation where 75 AK47 rifles and rounds of ammunition were recovered. This municipality remains the biggest beneficiary of the recently announced deployment of the SANDF.”

The recovery of 75 assault rifles underscores the seriousness of the threat and the need for coordinated enforcement involving the military, police and other law enforcement agencies.

With SANDF boots now on the ground, the provincial government is signalling a firm commitment to dismantling illegal mining syndicates and restoring safety in affected communities. The deployment represents one of the most robust interventions yet aimed at reclaiming mining areas from criminal control and protecting residents from further violence.

For many in Gauteng, this marks a turning point in the fight against illegal mining and the armed groups that have destabilised entire neighbourhoods.

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In his weekly newsletter, released after the Armed Forces Day commemoration in Limpopo on Saturday, 21 February 2026, the President addressed growing public debate around the military’s role in domestic operations. The deployment follows his announcement during the State of the Nation Address that the SANDF would assist the South African Police Service SAPS in combating illegal mining and gang violence in Gauteng and the Western Cape.

A decision rooted in history and responsibility

Ramaphosa acknowledged South Africa’s painful past, where military force was misused during apartheid. He emphasised that any modern deployment must be grounded in constitutional principles and clear necessity.

“Given our history, where the apartheid state sent the army into townships to violently suppress opposition, it is important that we do not deploy the SANDF inside the country to deal with domestic threats without good reason.

This recent deployment has become necessary due to a surge in violent organised crime that threatens the safety of our people and the authority of the state.

That is why the SANDF will be deployed in support of the SAPS, operating under police command, with clear rules of engagement and for specific time limited objectives.”

The President explained that during the mobilisation, soldiers may “provide protection in high-risk operations, or to support cordon and search operations against armed criminals.” They may also secure critical infrastructure, allowing SAPS officers to focus on investigations and prosecutions.

Importantly, the SANDF will operate under police command with defined objectives and a limited timeframe, reinforcing that this is a support mission and not a militarisation of law enforcement.

Coordinated crackdown on organised crime

The deployment forms part of a broader strategy to dismantle criminal networks. In addition to military support, government is strengthening anti-gang units and illegal mining task teams. SAPS is also working closely with the National Prosecuting Authority in multidisciplinary teams targeting the leadership structures, finances, firearms and logistics of organised crime syndicates.

This coordinated approach signals government’s determination to restore safety and reinforce the authority of the state in areas hardest hit by violent crime.

A helping hand beyond security

The SANDF’s role extends far beyond crime fighting. Over the years, it has supported South Africa during national emergencies and development initiatives.

During the COVID 19 pandemic, the SANDF enforced disaster regulations, safeguarded borders, supported anti-crime efforts and established field hospitals. More recently, in floods affecting parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, soldiers assisted with evacuations, infrastructure repairs and temporary shelter construction.

Through Project Owethu launched in Limpopo during Armed Forces Day, the SANDF delivered healthcare services to more than 50,000 people in underserved communities. Its Welisizwe Rural Bridges initiative has improved access and connectivity for rural residents, while border operations continue to combat smuggling and illegal crossings.

Strengthening the defence force for the future

President Ramaphosa acknowledged financial pressures facing the SANDF but confirmed that government is working to close funding gaps and enhance operational readiness.

Applications have opened for the 2027 Military Skills Development System, offering young South Africans training opportunities across the army, air force, navy and military health service. The initiative aims to rejuvenate the force while equipping youth with valuable skills.

Reflecting on the SANDF’s formation in 1994, the President underscored its transformation from an instrument of apartheid repression into a constitutionally accountable, diverse defence force committed to democratic values and international humanitarian law.

“As we work together to overcome the challenges facing our armed forces, let us not lose sight of their immense contribution to building a democratic nation in which all our people are safe and secure,” President Ramaphosa concluded.

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In the first weeks of February, residents of the Gugulethu informal settlement near Springs took to the streets, demanding that government fast-track the issuance of permits to explore suspected gold remnants in their area.

Driven by hopes of discovering “lucrative” minerals, some community members have begun digging through privately owned cattle kraals in search of fortune.

However, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has not confirmed the presence of gold deposits in the area. Authorities have warned that such unregulated activities not only endanger lives but also worsen the illegal mining crisis already affecting economically strained communities.

Communities Must Be “First to Benefit”

Addressing Parliament during day two of the State of the Nation Address debate, ANC MP Fasiha Hassan called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to ensure that communities where mining takes place are prioritised in economic benefits.

Taking to the podium, Hassan stated that all mining activities must ensure communities are “the first to benefit, not the last to be remembered”.

She argued that South Africa must stop “exporting its future” and instead beneficiate its minerals locally to create jobs and restore dignity within communities.

“We must ensure that in communities where mining happens are the first to be remembered and not the last to be remembered. President Ramaphosa, you were correct in characterising mining as a sunrise industry. We possess what the world desperately needs, 8% of global platinum group metals, 70% of chrome, and 32% of manganese. Mining contributes 6% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and employs 400,000 people,” she stated.

Hassan further emphasised that beneficiation is key to inclusive growth.

“When Nomsa understood that beneficiation is when countries stop exporting their future and start building dignity. Our resources must not be put into a system that generates wealth for other countries. That must be the foundation of our development of our economic model,” she added.

Government Warning Amid Escalating Tensions

Meanwhile, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy reiterated this week that illegal mining poses severe risks to both communities and the environment. The department warned that unlawful operations undermine the rule of law and present serious threats to public safety and ecological stability.

Despite repeated warnings and the deployment of law enforcement agencies to the affected areas on Wednesday, residents in Gugulethu vowed to resume digging as soon as the strong police presence leaves.

The situation highlights growing tension between economic desperation and regulatory enforcement. While authorities clamp down on illegal mining operations, communities argue that meaningful participation in the formal mining value chain through beneficiation and local development could offer a sustainable solution.

As illegal mining continues to surge in Gauteng hotspots, the focus now shifts to whether policy reform and local beneficiation could transform South Africa’s mineral wealth into inclusive economic growth.

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The decisive move was announced by Cyril Ramaphosa during the State of the Nation Address in Cape Town last week, signalling a stronger, coordinated response to what authorities describe as a deeply entrenched criminal enterprise.

“This firm intervention…underscores the gravity of the crisis and the urgent necessity for a coordinated, robust response to dismantle highly organised criminal syndicates that have terrorised communities and undermined the rule of law,” the committee said in a statement.

Communities under siege as government escalates response

Illegal mining has evolved far beyond opportunistic digging. According to the committee, it has become a highly organised operation linked to violence, intimidation and widespread community destabilisation.

During a recent unannounced oversight visit to Bekkersdal Police Station, lawmakers heard disturbing accounts of Zama zamas intimidating residents and fuelling violent crime.

“During a recent unannounced oversight visit to the Bekkersdal Police Station, the committee received deeply disturbing reports of Zama zamas [illegal miners] intimidating residents, perpetrating violent crimes and holding entire communities’ hostage through fear and lawlessness.

“Equally alarming are reports that more than 600 families were allegedly forced to flee their homes in Randfontein as a result of escalating violence linked to illegal mining activities, with displaced residents compelled to seek refuge in community halls.

“The committee reiterates that illegal mining is not a minor or isolated offence. It is an entrenched, organised criminal enterprise that endangers lives, destroys infrastructure, destabilises communities and erodes public confidence in the state’s ability to protect its citizens,” the statement said.

The scale of displacement and fear has intensified calls for a more forceful, multi-agency strategy. The committee has repeatedly argued that policing alone is not enough to dismantle sophisticated syndicates operating across abandoned mine shafts and informal settlements.

The committee said a “more aggressive, integrated, multi-agency approach is required to decisively confront and eradicate this criminal menace”.

“In this regard, the deployment of the SANDF represents a critical and long-overdue intervention – one that the committee has repeatedly recommended.

“The committee is confident that this decisive action will significantly strengthen law-enforcement operations, restore safety and stability in affected areas as well as send a clear and unequivocal message that criminality will not be tolerated in Gauteng.

“The [committee] will closely monitor the implementation and impact of the SANDF deployment and remains committed to working with all spheres of government to ensure that Gauteng is decisively reclaimed from illegal mining and that communities are able to live free from fear, violence and intimidation,” the statement concluded.

For communities that have lived under the shadow of intimidation and violence, the presence of SANDF soldiers represents more than additional boots on the ground. It signals a renewed commitment to restoring order, rebuilding trust in state institutions and reclaiming neighbourhoods from criminal control.

As operations intensify, authorities face the complex challenge of dismantling illegal mining networks while protecting vulnerable residents.

The coming months will reveal whether this coordinated intervention can deliver lasting stability and reinforce Gauteng’s commitment to safety, security and the rule of law.

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Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has welcomed the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers to the province to support police in the fight against criminality, especially illegal mining.

The intervention was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the State of the Nation Address held in Cape Town on Thursday evening.

“Illegal mining has become a serious criminal enterprise that threatens the safety of our communities, exploits vulnerable people, and causes extensive environmental damage.

“The deployment of soldiers to assist the police demonstrates government’s commitment to restoring law and order and protecting communities,” Lesufi said in a statement on Friday.

Economic and Security Impact

The scourge of illegal mining has cost the South African economy billions of Rands in lost economic revenue and, in some areas, contributed to escalating violence. Beyond the financial losses, the ripple effects have been felt deeply within affected communities where intimidation, turf battles and organised criminal networks have taken root.

Last week, the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety noted an incident in which an alleged zama zama was shot and wounded during nighttime gunfire in Bekkersdal. The committee added that the presence of illegal miners has also contributed to a surge in kidnappings in the area.

“The people of Gauteng deserve to live in safe communities free from criminality. We remain committed to doing everything possible, together with national government, to eradicate illegal mining and its associated crimes,” Lesufi said.

In the SONA, President Ramaphosa announced the deployment of the SANDF to support police in Gauteng and the Western Cape, to deal with gang violence and illegal mining.

“I have directed the Minister of Police and the SANDF to develop a tactical plan on where our security forces should be deployed within the next few days in the Western Cape and Gauteng to deal with gang violence and illegal mining,” said the President.

A Coordinated Security Response

The joint deployment signals a more aggressive and coordinated approach to tackling organised crime linked to illegal mining. By combining military support with police intelligence and community-based interventions, government aims to stabilise hotspots and restore confidence among residents and investors alike.

For Gauteng, South Africa’s economic powerhouse, safeguarding mining infrastructure, and surrounding communities is critical. The success of this intervention could mark a turning point in the broader national strategy to protect legitimate mining operations, preserve jobs, and secure economic growth.

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Delivering the State of the Nation Address at the Cape Town City Hall, President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined how the country’s vast mineral wealth will power both economic recovery and the global energy transition.

“The biggest opportunity of all lies in green growth. We are pivoting our economy to be a leading supplier of the products that the world will rely on in decades to come.

“We are expanding support for the manufacturing of green products for global markets, from fertiliser to jet fuel, chemicals to steel.

“From March this year, we will introduce a 150% tax deduction for investment in new energy vehicles, while supporting the local production of batteries,” the President said.

While the incentives for electric vehicles and battery production signal industrial reform, they are equally significant for mining. The demand for battery minerals, platinum group metals, and rare earth elements places South Africa’s resource base at the centre of global clean energy supply chains.

R250 Billion Just Energy Transition Boost

The Just Energy Transition Investment Plan now stands at approximately R250 billion, financing “large scale investment in manufacturing, infrastructure and skills”.

For the mining industry, this signal expanded infrastructure development, modernised logistics and enhanced beneficiation capacity. These are critical components in unlocking mineral value locally rather than exporting raw materials.

Mineral Endowment Positions Mining as a Sunrise Industry

South Africa remains a continental leader in renewable energy potential, but it is the country’s mineral reserves that provide a decisive competitive edge.

“Our ore reserves are valued at more than R40 trillion, making mining a sunrise industry.

“After many years of declining investment in exploration, we are dedicating funds towards geological mapping and exploration to harness our critical mineral reserves,” President Ramaphosa said.

The renewed commitment to geological mapping and exploration funding marks a strategic shift after years of underinvestment. Exploration is widely regarded as the lifeblood of mining sustainability, ensuring pipeline projects and long-term resource security.

In a significant development, the Industrial Development Corporation has announced at least R300 million in funding for the Frontier Rare Earths Project.

“This has the potential to become one of the world’s largest and lowest cost new producers of minerals that are needed for smartphones, lithium batteries, and other products.

“Confidence in the future of South African mining was very evident during the Mining Indaba this week here in Cape Town. New gold, copper, rare earths, platinum, and coal mines are being opened,” the President said.

The reference to renewed activity at the Mining Indaba highlights growing investor confidence in South Africa’s resource potential. New mine developments across gold, copper, rare earths, platinum, and coal signal a broader sector revival aligned with global commodity demand.

Mining at the Heart of the Energy Transition

As global economies accelerate decarbonisation, critical minerals are becoming strategic assets. South Africa’s platinum group metals are essential for hydrogen technologies, while rare earths and battery minerals underpin electric mobility and renewable energy systems.

Government’s integrated approach combining green industrial policy, exploration funding, and investment incentives positions mining not only as a legacy industry, but as a future facing growth engine.

With ore reserves valued at more than R40 trillion and renewed exploration momentum, South Africa is seeking to transform its mineral endowment into sustained economic expansion, job creation, and global competitiveness.

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