South African Mines Minister Rejects Proposal Linking U.S. to Africa’s Critical Minerals

South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantash

South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, has dismissed a proposal that would have positioned South Africa as a gateway for U.S. access to Africa’s critical minerals. According to Bloomberg News, Mantashe expressed concern that the initiative—driven by Sibanye Stillwater CEO Neal Froneman and board member Rick Menell—prioritized corporate interests over national and industry-wide considerations.

The proposal was presented ahead of a meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and former U.S. President Donald Trump in May. It suggested leveraging South Africa’s mining sector to facilitate broader U.S. engagement with Africa’s mineral resources. However, Mantashe criticized the process, noting that neither his ministry nor the Minerals Council South Africa had been consulted. He also objected to the proposal’s language, particularly the phrase “make minerals great again,” which he deemed inappropriate for South African policy discourse.

“There can be nothing about mining without input from the ministry and the industry,” Mantashe told Bloomberg, explaining his decision not to endorse the proposal to President Ramaphosa.

The disagreement underscores persistent friction between the South African government and the private sector over mining policy. Industry leaders have long voiced frustration over regulatory bottlenecks and inconsistent policy direction.

Froneman defended the proposal, stating it was intended to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between South Africa and the U.S., while drawing on industry expertise. He rejected claims of self-interest, arguing that government often excludes key stakeholders from policy formulation.
Coinciding with the Trump-Ramaphosa meeting, Mantashe unveiled South Africa’s