South Africa's Critical Minerals Strategy Aims to Boost Beneficiation and Industrialization
South Africa's Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy is being positioned as a practical roadmap for beneficiation, industrialization, and regional development. This was highlighted by Dr. Lawrence Bbosa, Mintek's mineral processing executive manager, during the Mining Symposium 2026 in Randburg, Gauteng. The strategy focuses on leveraging the country's mineral wealth to move beyond the traditional export model towards downstream beneficiation and regional manufacturing hubs. Key minerals such as platinum-group metals, manganese, chrome, coal, and iron-ore are identified as strategically important for employment, exports, and domestic energy security. The strategy also emphasizes the potential for industrial capability in areas like battery precursor production and rare earth processing. However, challenges such as infrastructure and policy certainty remain critical constraints. 
