By: Creamer media

The strategy was launched by Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe on May 20, with platinum, manganese, iron-ore, coal and chrome ore listed among the country’s most valued critical minerals.

The Minister also noted that the MRDB sought to align mining legislation with evolving policies, economic conditions and global shifts.

The council says the strategy and the MRDB come at a pivotal time to realise the potential for South Africa’s mining industry and its contribution to economic growth and the energy transition.

The Minerals Council was engaged twice by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) for a high-level overview of what would be in the MRDB, which amends the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, the entity points out.

The council also assisted the DMPR and Mintek in defining what constitutes a critical mineral.

The Minerals Council will now review the Bill and the strategy.

“It is critical for the growth and sustainability of the mining industry that the Bill and strategy encourage investment in exploration, the development of new mines and the long-term sustainability and expansion of mining operations,” it says.