South Africas Bold Green Energy Ambitions

The country is awash with minerals that are vital to the global technology boom and renewable energy transition under way in developed economies and other regions. South Africa is the worlds leading producer of platinum-group metals, accounting for about 70 of global platinum production and 40 of palladium: both are used for catalytic converters, hydrogen fuel cells, electronics and others.

It also has 70 of the worlds reserves of chrome, used in stainless steel and chemical production and found mostly in its Bushveld Igneous Complex. The country is also one of the largest manganese producers globally, with about 40 of global reserves.

Other minerals include vanadium and nickel, both used in battery technology and energy storage, for example. Lithium and coltan, a source of niobium and tantalum, have recently been found.

Critical minerals are driving growth in a sector that has suffered many challenges in recent years. In August 2024, Stats SA said that despite global complexities, South Africas mining production had risen by 0.3 c, driven by manganese, which surged by 16, and chromium, which increased by nearly 25.

But to realise greater benefits from its minerals, South Africa, along with other African countries, needs to deepen beneficiation efforts.