Shaping the Future of Mining in South Africa—Beyond Compliance

At the Minerals Council South Africa’s media roundtable on April 9, 2025, discussions focused on the progress of transformation in the country’s mining sector.

With amendments to the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) approaching, the council reflected on industry changes since the Act’s implementation in 2004.

A recent study on mining charter compliance found that the sector met its targets in Inclusive Procurement and Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) at an aggregate level. Among surveyed mining companies, procurement spending reached ZAR271.5 billion, with most exceeding compliance targets. However, spending on women-owned businesses fell short of the intended goals.

Mining sector leaders emphasized the need to shift from “compliance to impact” and ensure sustainable transformation. The council reiterated its commitment to supporting women-owned enterprises and strengthening procurement inclusivity.