Modern Mining June 2025

Power play: the race to secure critical minerals T he imperative to secure strategic minerals is being played out on the global arena with the Trump administration looking to Africa for its supply of critical metals. Apart from its recent deal with Ukraine for priority access to Ukrainian critical minerals and other natural resources, the US is looking to advance

For more insight into critical minerals, register for the 3 rd annual London Indaba, which has set the stage for high-stakes conversations on mining, critical minerals and investment in the continent’s future. Taking place on 24 and 25 June 2025 in London, the event “promises compelling dialogue on the evolving mining landscape, investor strategies and the continent’s pivotal role in the future of global critical mineral supply”. According to the event organisers, the agenda highlights how Africa’s resources are

a potential multi-billion-dollar investment programme with the DRC, which is rich in lithium, copper and cobalt. Critical minerals, such as nickel, graphite, manganese, cobalt, copper and

lithium, currently occupy a key role in global economic and geopolitical

being scrutinised, not only for their

commercial potential but also for their critical relevance to climate goals, geopolitical shifts and sustainable development. “Africa has moved from the margins to the mainstream of the global

Demand for critical minerals is projected to rise steeply over the next few years, driven by increased demand for renewable energy and electric vehicles.

competition. Demand for

COMMENT critical minerals is projected to rise steeply over the next few years, driven by increased demand for renewable energy and electric vehicles.

mining conversation. The minerals essential to the world’s transition, whether copper, cobalt or PGMs, are found here, and the decisions we make today will shape not just our continent’s future, but the trajectory of industries and economies around the world,” said industry stalwart, Bernard Swanepoel. Meanwhile, in line with Barrick’s vision of being the “world’s most valued gold and copper company”, the gold major recently announced its intention to change its name from Barrick Gold Corporation to Barrick Mining Corporation, signalling its intention of amping up its importance in the copper space. On the topic of copper, this edition’s commodities outlook is on Quicklime. Quicklime aids in metals extraction from ores. In flotation processes for copper, gold, and other valuable minerals, quicklime helps maintain optimal pH levels, improving recovery rates. It is also vital in smelting and refining, as well as in controlling slag chemistry during steel production. Also of note is the crushing and screening feature, which shares insights from Sandvik Rock Processing (pg 16), Pilot Crushtec (pg 18), Weir (pg 20), Tru-Trac (pg 24), Multotec (pg 28) and ELB Equipment (pg 30). Our regular columnist, Dr Ross Harvey, has some interesting insights to share in his column: The VAT furore and its implications for mining (pg 36). n

As it stands, China has a monopoly in global critical mineral supply chains, particularly in refining and processing. The East Asian country controls a hefty share of global production and processing capacity for minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, natural graphite, and rare earth elements. This control gives China substantial leverage in global trade and creates vulnerability for countries like the US. Following the US trade tariff tit for tat, China has placed restrictions targeting seven rare earths – including dysprosium and terbium (heavy rare earth elements) crucial for electric vehicles, wind turbines, fighter jets and missile systems. China holds global dominance of rare earth refining (around 90%) and a monopoly on heavy rare earth processing (98%). So where does South Africa stand in the supply conundrum and can it use its availability of key critical minerals to ink deals that benefit the country? The good news is that the economic powerhouse of Africa holds reserves of key critical minerals, including Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) - 88% global market share, manganese - 80% global market share, and a significant share of chromium and vermiculite. Interestingly, South Africa’s definition of critical minerals extends to coal and uranium, given their importance for energy generation.

Nelendhre Moodley.

Editor: Nelendhre Moodley e-mail: mining@crown.co.za Advertising Manager: Rynette Joubert e-mail: rynettej@crown.co.za Design & Layout: Ano Shumba Publisher: Wilhelm du Plessis Managing Director: Karen Grant Circulation: Brenda Grossmann and Shaun Smith Published monthly by: Crown Publications (Pty) Ltd P O Box 140, Bedfordview, 2008 Tel: (+27 11) 622-4770 Fax: (+27 11) 615-6108 e-mail: mining@crown.co.za www.modernminingmagazine.co.za

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The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor or the publisher.

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