South Africa has one of the richest sub-soil in Africa, housing large reserves of gold, iron ore, and coal. It also hosts critical minerals like platinum group elements (PGMs), manganese, and nickel, which are vital to energy transition.

South Africa has started exploring the definition of essential minerals within a national framework, separate from global standards. This initiative was highlighted by Gwede Mantashe, South Africa's Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, during his remarks on February 3 at the African Mining Indaba in Cape Town.

He emphasized the need to reevaluate the classifications set by Western powers, which have defined these minerals based solely on their significance in the energy transition, particularly highlighting “green minerals.” This perspective overlooks the realities of his country and neglects other crucial factors, including mobility, medical applications, and the digital economy.The research is anticipated to receive approval from Minister Mantashe's cabinet by the end of this month. 

Mantashe also highlighted coal as an essential mineral due to its significance to the national economy, which suggests that South Africa's classification of critical minerals may differ from international perspectives, as coal is not typically recognized globally as essential for the energy transition.

Despite the government's new methodology, it is important to recognize that South Africa already possesses several critical minerals per global standards, including platinum group metals (PGMs), manganese, and nickel. Alongside coal, the country's subsoil is rich in other valuable resources such as gold and iron ore. 

Mantashe has ultimately encouraged other African nations to adopt South Africa's approach in redefining their critical minerals. Notably, Africa is estimated to hold around 30% of the global reserves of minerals essential for the energy transition.

Aurel Sèdjro Houenou (intern)