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[Ferro-Alloys.com] Mining Indaba: Clearing the path for a new growth cycle

By Marius Saaiman from M2Resources and Rishi Juta, director at Forvis Mazars in South Africa

South Africa’s mining industry stands on the threshold of renewal. While challenges in policy and infrastructure persist, the momentum for reform is gathering pace. With strong global demand for critical minerals and a renewed public-private commitment to investment, the Mining Indaba 2026 arrives at an opportune moment – one defined less by constraint, and more by opportunity.

Investors continue to view South Africa as a world-class mining destination – provided regulatory conditions can match its geological promise. Encouragingly, meaningful steps are already being taken.

Modernising the cadastral system: The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s plan to introduce a fully digital cadastral platform marks a turning point. Once implemented, it will streamline licensing, improve transparency and significantly reduce administrative delays, helping new exploration projects progress faster.

Legislative refinement: The draft Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Bill (MPRDB) aim to simplify processes and strengthen governance. While debate continues, stakeholders at this year’s Indaba will see constructive engagement between policymakers and industry as a sign of growing alignment.

Evolving Mining Charter: Ongoing consultation around ownership and procurement rules is fostering a more balanced dialogue. Both government and industry recognise that predictability and partnership are essential for unlocking investment.

Equally significant is the renewed focus on rehabilitating South Africa’s critical infrastructure – a development that could transform the sector’s long-term competitiveness. Public-private collaboration with Transnet is beginning to show positive results, with gradual improvements in rail and port performance, particularly along key bulk-commodity corridors. These partnerships are exploring new ways to optimise freight movement and reduce the industry’s reliance on road transport, improving both cost efficiency and environmental performance.

Energy reliability remains a challenge, yet the mining industry has responded with remarkable innovation. Many operators are investing in renewable self-generation and hybrid power systems – a move that not only secures energy stability but also advances decarbonisation goals. According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, energy accounts for between 10% and 35% of mining operating costs across sub-Saharan Africa, underscoring the strategic value of these forward-looking investments.

Water management is another area of progress. Several major producers are implementing water-recycling and desalination initiatives to strengthen operational resilience and lessen dependence on strained municipal systems. Many of these projects also support surrounding communities, demonstrating how resource efficiency and shared value can go hand in hand.

Opportunity in transition

Despite past volatility, South Africa’s mining fundamentals remain robust. According to the Minerals Council South Africa, the mining sector’s influence on the South African economy in 2024 extended well beyond its immediate operations. Its initial GDP impact at market prices was R443-billion, representing 6% of total national GDP at market prices. This figure increases to R695-billion when GDP at market prices from direct suppliers is included, reflecting broader sectoral interdependence. With rising global demand for strategic resources such as platinum-group metals, manganese, vanadium and other key minerals, fuelled by technological advancements, infrastructure needs and sustainable development, the growth potential is clear.

At the Mining Indaba 2026, stakeholders are expected to prioritise actionable collaboration: finalising cadastral reform, clarifying policy frameworks, and mobilising investment into energy and logistics infrastructure. The tone this year is optimistic, not because challenges have disappeared, but because solutions are within reach.

If the current reform trajectory continues, South Africa’s mining sector could enter its next growth cycle stronger, greener and more globally competitive than ever before.

• [Editor:tianyawei]