South Africa’s mining sector navigated a year of significant change and challenges with notable resilience. Production across key minerals increased, even as the industry underwent major restructuring that led to widespread job losses. Companies invested in new technologies and renewable energy projects to control costs, though delays in energy initiatives highlighted the importance of securing stable power.
The sector continued to play a crucial role in the economy, supported by strong market gains in gold and platinum group metals. Regulatory reforms sought to reduce uncertainty, while illegal mining expanded beyond traditional areas, intensifying the need for collaboration between mining companies, law enforcement, security agencies, and communities. Collective action remains essential to address this growing and complex problem.
Amid this shifting landscape, companies refined their strategies by focusing on essential minerals like copper, manganese, and battery metals to drive future growth. While gold stayed at the center of merger activity, it concealed deeper issues such as energy constraints and permitting delays. The path forward requires addressing infrastructure bottlenecks, accelerating energy solutions, translating policy into action, and maintaining disciplined capital management.
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Andries Rossouw
Africa Energy, Utilities and Resources Leader, PwC South Africa
Tel: +27 (0) 11 797 4060
Laetitia Le Roux
Energy, Utilities and Resources, South Market Tax Leader, PwC South Africa
Tel: +27 (0) 82 792 9294