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Minerals and Petroleum Resources Minister, Gwede Mantashe.
Minerals and Petroleum Resources Minister, Gwede Mantashe has delivered the opening address at the Africa Mining Indaba, touching on the importance of critical minerals and the future of mining, on the African continent.
The Africa Mining Indaba 2026 is underway in Cape Town, in the Western Cape. The annual gathering brings together organisations and role players shaping the future of African mining, including government officials, major mining companies and emerging producers.
[Media Q&A 🎬 ]
🔴 Watch Minister @GwedeMantashe1 Deputy Minister Judith Mgcina and Director-General Jacob Mbele brief the media on the sidelines of the Investing in African Mining Indaba 2026.
The briefing addressed key issues including the review of the MPRDA, the mining… pic.twitter.com/u2vCywUv1C— Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (@DMPR_ZA) February 9, 2026
Mantashe says South Africa regards coal as one of the critical minerals.
VIDEO | Mining Indaba 2026 | Focus on mining technology, sustainability, investment
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ev5qzRXmIOU
“We need to talk about export earnings in terms of their contribution to development on the continent, and we have our own definitions. That is why, among our critical minerals, we also include coal. In other continents, different products are prioritised, but for us, coal is quite an important resource because it employs many people, generates foreign earnings, and contributes significantly to development in Africa,” he adds.
The geopolitical tensions represent a serious threat to the sovereignty of resource-endowed countries, the majority of which are here in Africa. It is, therefore, befitting that the theme of this year’s #MiningIndaba is: “Stronger Together: Progress Through Partnerships.” #MI26 pic.twitter.com/4F0kxvgMXI
— Gwede Mantashe (@GwedeMantashe1) February 9, 2026
The minister has called for stronger collaboration between African countries, to drive economic growth.
Mantashe says African countries should focus on forming mutually beneficial partnerships that increase production in the mining sector and add value to mineral exports.
“Africa should speak with one voice. Our objective is clear, to deepen collaboration, accelerate responsible exploration and mining, and ensure that Africa captures greater value from its own mineral endowment. We can make this continent a better continent. As per the consensus reached last year, our partnership must move beyond extraction to industrialisation and value addition closer to the point of production,” says Mantashe.
VIDEO | Mining Indaba
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkqOA7Gz1rY
