Latest news with #Mintek
Zawya
04-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Govt allocates $158mln to mineral, petroleum resources
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has allocated 2.86bn for the 2025/26 financial year, of which R1.16bn will be transferred to public entities, municipalities, and other implementing institutions to 'enable them to fulfil their constitutional mandates'. Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe delivered the department's budget vote in Parliament on Wednesday, 2 July 2025. The budget Some specific projects to receive funding include: - R134.7m for the rehabilitation of derelict and ownerless mines implemented by Mintek. - R22.4m for the Mine Rehabilitation Research Project implemented by the Council for Geoscience. - R32.3m allocated to the CGS for the Mine Water Ingress Project. - R46.1m allocated to the Petroleum Agency South Africa (Pasa) for the implementation of the Shale Gas Project. A sunrise industry In his written remarks, Mantashe explained that Mintek – the country's national mineral research organisation – has completed a study on the state of mining in the country and the Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy for implementation, which shows great potential in the industry. 'Having produced individual commodity reports on 21 minerals, the critical minerals strategy shows that minerals, such as platinum, manganese, iron ore, coal and chrome ore, are poised to play a critical role in the South African mining industry and the economy for the foreseeable future. 'In contrast to the sceptic view that the South African mining industry is a sunset industry, with the comprehensive and up-to-date insights into key developments within global commodity markets, mineral production trends in South Africa and the mining sector's contribution to the economy, we are now more convinced than ever that the South African mining industry is a sunrise industry. 'This mining frontier is filled with exciting opportunities for investors and the economy,' he said. Mantashe acknowledged that the industry is operating in a challenging global landscape. Despite these challenges, including escalating trade tensions, evolving geopolitical relationships and the US's imposition of tariffs on some mineral exports, the industry remains a strong contributor to the national GDP. 'Despite the challenging global environment, mining gross value-added rebounded by 0.3% in 2024, from a 0.5% decline in 2023. Effectively, in rand terms, 2024 saw the mining sector contributing R451bn to the country's GDP, thus sustaining the 6% total contribution to the GDP. 'In the same period, the mining industry's export earnings totalled R674bn, comprising R586.4bn from primary minerals and R87.5bn from processed minerals, representing a decrease of 0.6% from R678bn in 2023,' the minister said. Meet needs of exploration community The minister highlighted that the sustainability and future of mining in South Africa are dependent on new mineral discoveries, making the Junior Mining Exploration Fund critical for discovery and transformation. 'Established through a R200m allocation from National Treasury, matched by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), this fund is poised to unlock new mineral discoveries and drive transformation. The first funding call has already resulted in the signing of legal contracts with Black-owned junior miners. 'As the country navigates the natural decline of legacy commodities like gold, this fund will enable the discovery of new minerals that are essential for a range of industries, from advanced manufacturing to technology and infrastructure development. 'Expanding this fund is not just an investment in new mining frontiers but a commitment to ensuring that our mineral wealth contributes to a more inclusive and transformed industry,' he insisted. Mantashe noted that, for its part, the Council for Geoscience (CGS) has implemented its Integrated and Multi-Disciplinary Mapping Programme to expand its onshore mapping coverage to meet the needs of the exploration community. 'This work provides the fundamental basis to outline the mineral potential and geological systems at an enhanced scale, allowing for greater clarity to focus on exploration initiatives. 'For the 2025/26 financial year, the CGS will continue with the implementation of this backbone programme, both onshore and offshore, to make available key pre-competitive geological data, information and knowledge for considered investment in minerals exploration,' he said. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
IOL News
16-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Unlocking potential: empowering South Africa's youth in the workplace
Nasima Mohamed is an intern at Mintek. Image: Supplied The presence of young professionals in South African workplaces is vital for the future of our economy and society. Yet, despite dominating many sectors, youth remain drastically underrepresented in leadership and decision-making - less than 10% of such roles are held by those under 35. Systemic barriers - including limited access to networks, scarce practical experience opportunities, and the contradictory demand for prior experience - tend to further block youth from fully contributing to the economy. This experience paradox creates a vicious cycle that must be broken. This reality demands urgent organisational reform to genuinely engage, empower, and develop young talent. Nelson Mandela once said, 'The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.' This statement is more than an inspirational phrase—it is a call to action. If we are to realise the full potential of South Africa's youth, workplaces must move beyond tokenism and provide genuine opportunities for development and growth. Unfortunately, this is far from the experience of many young professionals, who often encounter workplaces steeped in rigid hierarchies and outdated management styles that stifle their potential rather than nurture it. One key area requiring attention is mentorship. It is widely promoted as essential for career development but is often reduced to a box-ticking exercise. Real mentorship requires deliberate investment: time, guidance, and a sincere commitment to developing the next generation of leaders. Without this, young professionals are left to navigate their careers without adequate support, leading to frustration and disengagement. This disengagement severely compromises young professionals' career advancement opportunities and impedes the critical transformation imperative for organisational and economic progress. Effective mentorship should not only transfer knowledge but also foster confidence and autonomy, enabling young people to contribute meaningfully and shape their career trajectories. Logo Image: File Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The challenges faced by young women are particularly pronounced. In addition to their professional duties, many manage significant responsibilities outside of work, including caregiving and other societal obligations. Despite these added pressures, they are expected to perform on equal terms with their male counterparts, frequently without sufficient support or accommodations. It is imperative that workplaces recognise these gendered challenges and create equitable environments where young women can thrive. When young professionals are overlooked or unsupported, the consequences extend beyond individual dissatisfaction—they threaten the sustainability and growth of organisations and, by extension, the national economy. Without clear career pathways, fair remuneration, and meaningful inclusion, South Africa may risk losing some of its most promising talent to other countries altogether. To prevent this, organisational leadership must shift from performative inclusion to substantive empowerment. This requires creating environments where mentorship is genuine, career development is transparent, and policies reflect the needs of a diverse and evolving workforce. Additionally, mental health support and flexible working arrangements are no longer optional but essential components of a sustainable work culture. Mandela also taught us that 'a good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.' Young professionals bring both intellect and passion to their roles, along with a commitment to contribute to a better future. It is up to organisations to match this with the respect, opportunities, and resources needed to cultivate the leaders we aspire to become. At Mintek, where I serve in an internship role, for example, young employees are actively encouraged to pursue further studies, demonstrating a positive commitment to learning and development. This approach reflects the kind of institutional investment needed to support youth empowerment in a meaningful way. In addition, organisations should promote gender equity through targeted policies and open dialogue to ensure young women receive the recognition and resources necessary to thrive. Such leadership is essential—not only as a moral obligation but as a strategic investment in an organisation's long-term growth and innovation. The future depends on how we treat our youth today—not as passive observers, but as active participants and leaders. The time for real empowerment is now. It could be the spark behind lasting change.
IOL News
05-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
How technology is transforming South Africa's mining sector through innovative partnerships
A partnership has been signed to advance South Africa's mining sector through technology and innovation. Image: Reuters To improve, develop, and address challenges in South Africa's mining sector through leveraging science and technology for its advancement, the Council for Mineral Technology (Mintek), an entity of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy and the National Research Foundation (NRF), an entity of the Department of Science and Technology, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Under the MoU, priority areas include advanced biotechnology in mining, smart mining technologies (automation and robotics), mineral processing and characterisation, fuel cell and battery development, environmental sustainability and policy engagement, and science communication. Refilwe Mashigo, Senior Specialist for Government Resources and Programmes at the NRF, said, by investing in cutting-edge research and technologies, such as AI-driven mineral processing and green mining solutions, the partnership positions South Africa as a leader in mining innovation. She added that international collaborations, joint research chairs, and innovation hubs will enhance visibility and research capacity on the global stage. 'In the next five years, the NRF-Mintek partnership aims to achieve several measurable outcomes that extend beyond mere innovation and scientific excellence. These include the establishment of at least one new Research Chair in mining engineering through frameworks like the DSTI-NRF South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) and OR Tambo African Research Chairs Initiative (ORTARChI), the rollout of joint funding calls that support high-impact, interdisciplinary research, and the awarding of competitive research grants, particularly for early-stage research with commercialisation potential,' Mashigo said. She stated that the NRF is committed to ensuring the benefits of the NRF-Mintek partnership are inclusive and contribute to broader economic development, particularly for historically disadvantaged communities and institutions. This will be achieved by targeting research and skills development opportunities toward underrepresented groups, including women, youth, and communities in rural and mining-affected areas. 'Success will be measured through a combination of qualitative and quantitative indicators aligned with the partnership's goals. Key performance indicators will include the number and impact of funded research projects, the scale of postgraduate and postdoctoral support provided, and the rate of commercialisation of research outputs. 'Mintek and the NRF will undertake a monitoring and evaluation study once programmes have been rolled out, which will track metrics such as publications, patents, industry partnerships, and uptake of technologies by the mining sector. 'Additionally, the NRF and Mintek will implement regular joint reviews, progress reports, and stakeholder consultations to assess project outcomes. Accountability will be ensured through transparent calls for proposals, independent peer-review processes, and dedicated oversight committees for each programme area,' Mashigo said. The structured funding instruments, such as joint governance of the Research Chairs and coordinated project management mechanisms, will ensure rigorous reporting and alignment with national and institutional priorities, she stated. Dr Molefi Motuku, Mintek chief executive, said the partnership will stimulate the South African economy by enhancing the local capacity to process and add value to minerals, which can attract foreign investment in beneficiation and downstream manufacturing. It also supports local content development by promoting the use of South African innovations and technologies in the mining sector. 'Job creation will be enabled both directly, through research, development, and implementation projects, and indirectly through the expansion of value-added industries and increased competitiveness of the sector. Ultimately, this partnership contributes to economic diversification and the reduction of poverty, unemployment, and inequality,' Motuku said. He added that the MoU is a direct response to the erosion of technical and research capacity. Through this partnership, Mintek and the NRF will develop structured programmes focused on human capital development, particularly in scarce and emerging skills critical to mining and minerals innovation. This includes support for postgraduate education, mentorship, research funding, and hands-on training opportunities in state-of-the-art facilities. 'While the MoU does not directly address enforcement or policy gaps, it contributes to long-term, sustainable solutions by advancing research in environmental remediation, socioeconomic upliftment through local beneficiation, and community-inclusive science engagement. 'Research outputs can support innovative approaches to rehabilitating abandoned mines and improving environmental monitoring. Skills development and technology localisation can help address socio-economic disparities by promoting employment and enterprise development in affected communities, creating more resilient mining ecosystems,' Motuku said. He added that universities will be involved through joint research programmes and postgraduate training. Engagement with mining companies will ensure that research aligns with real-world industry challenges. Government departments and other public entities will be consulted to align initiatives with national policy and funding mechanisms. This ecosystem approach will ensure the scalability and sustainability of the partnership's outcomes. 'Mintek's core capability is bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application. Under this partnership, research outcomes will be translated into pilot projects, prototypes, and scalable solutions, with support from Mintek's advanced laboratories, pilot plants, and technical teams. 'Technology transfer mechanisms include licensing of developed technologies, industry training programmes, and facilitation of spin-off enterprises. The collaboration will also explore public-private partnerships to accelerate commercialisation and ensure that research delivers tangible socio-economic value,' Motuku said. Dr Paseka Leeuw, the head of the School of Mining Engineering at Wits University, Professor Bryan Watson, an Associate Professor at the Wits School of Mining Engineering, and Dr Clinton Birch, a senior lecturer in the School of Mining Engineering, in a joint response said artificial intelligence (AI) has been credited with several recent mineral discoveries. The experts added that a Google search gives examples of these as Willow Glen, Elkedra Project, and a palladium deposit on the east coast of Australia. 'There is a significant amount of gold locked up in very narrow reefs and unmined remnant pillars and stability pillars in gold mines. The challenge is that some of the stopes in gold mines are viable at a mining height of 0.8m or less; the typical minimum mining height is approximately 1m and old remnant, and stability pillars cannot be mined because of high stress and rockburst potential, and it is challenging and risky to send people into these areas. 'However, robots can be sent into these areas without risking lives. The idea of robots mining in deep gold mines is not only attractive from a safety point of view, but, in some cases, could extend the life of older mines without the loss of jobs if planned correctly. The challenge in this regard is the cost of robots and the availability of local skills in robotic manufacturing, maintenance, and operation,' Leeuw, Watson, and Birch said. The experts said that AI can review, compare, and evaluate multiple data sources with remarkable speed. 'In the mining industry, numerous projects undergo various phases of exploration, often generating many reports that are eventually archived. These legacy documents contain valuable information. AI enables geologists to efficiently extract insights from these archived reports and integrate them with current data. 'Additionally, AI can swiftly analyse geological logs, uncovering trends and patterns that may otherwise go unnoticed. It also assists in drafting technical reports and facilitates faster dissemination of information across disciplines compared to traditional methods. Moreover, AI is increasingly used to generate exploration targets by synthesising diverse data sources, such as digital terrain models, geochemical and geophysical reports, geological surveys, borehole logs, and assay results,' they said. The experts said that research in reprocessing tailings for additional value and safer disposal methods is essential and should be one of the focus areas. Tailings are the leftover materials from the processing of mined ore. They consist of ground rock, unrecoverable and uneconomic metals, chemicals, organic matter, and effluent from the process used to extract the desired products from the ore. [email protected]
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Mineral Resources Development Bill and the Critical Minerals Strategy released
The Mineral Resources Development Bill and the Critical Minerals Strategy by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) 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 Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has released the Mineral Resources Development Bill and the Critical Minerals Strategy The launch of both documents on Wednesday, 2 May has been welcomed by the Minerals Council South Africa. The Minerals Council was engaged twice by the DMPR for a high-level overview of what would be in the Mineral Resources Development Bill, which amends the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act. The Minerals Council assisted the DMPR and Mintek in the process of defining what constitutes a critical mineral, but it had no role in developing the strategy. The Minerals Council is in the process of reviewing 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, says the Minerals Council. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
