Modern Mining February 2024

CRITICAL METALS

WMI targets Critical Minerals Catalogue completion by December 2025 Underpinning the world’s transition to a clean energy system is the need for critical metals, such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt and rare earth elements, to support clean energy technologies. Modern Mining recently spoke to Professor Glen Nwaila, director of the Wits Mining Institute (WMI) about the institution’s progress in developing its Critical Minerals Catalogue. By Nelendhre Moodley.

Professor Glen Nwaila, director of the Wits Mining Institute.

A ccording to Professor Nwaila, South Africa is establishing a Critical Minerals Framework for the country, with the WMI developing a Critical Minerals Catalogue. Developing the Critical Minerals Framework involves collaboration between various government agencies, centres of excellence, mining firms and academic institutions. Key stakeholders include the Department of Minerals and

Laboratory (DigiMine) and associated research centres, initiated the establishment of a critical raw materials catalogue from the research principles of data compiled. We enriched the data layers with specific objectives that are aligned with the quan tification and downstream applications of critical minerals. The research data will help inform evi dence-based policy formulation.” According to Prof. Nwaila, South Africa, like many other Global South countries, has a unique blend of economic, social, and environmental challenges. “This is a significant consideration for many coun tries that must navigate international standards and pressures while ensuring that domestic needs and priorities are addressed. South Africa took time to establish its critical raw materials catalogue due to the complexities of its mining sector, historical lega cies, and competing economic priorities. Establishing such a catalogue would provide clarity and guidance to the mining community regarding the nation’s most essential mineral resources, thus helping streamline investments, operational decisions, and industrialisa tion plans.” The professor explains that the critical raw

Energy (DMRE), Council for Mineral Technology (Mintek), Council for Geoscience (CGS), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and other alliance partners. “At this stage,” he says, “South Africa has a working draft related to policy formulation.” The national Critical Minerals

Framework draft is currently in the commentary and consultative processes, while the WMI Critical Minerals Catalogue is targeting completion by December 2025. “The Wits Mining Institute (WMI),” says Prof. Nwaila, “through its Sibanye-Stillwater Digital Mining

South Africa will need to rely on the DRC for cobalt as it does not produce the mineral.

10  MODERN MINING  February 2024