Mining in Africa Driving Jobs, Clean Energy and Economic Growth — But Collaboration Is Key

CAPE TOWN – Mining across Africa is emerging as a powerful engine for economic growth, job creation, and technology adoption—but its full impact depends on stronger collaboration between governments and industry.

As Investing in African Mining Indaba takes place in Cape Town, industry leaders are highlighting how the sector can drive inclusive and sustainable development across the continent.

Mining’s Hidden Power: Driving Technology and Local Economies

According to Andrew van Zyl, Managing Director of SRK Consulting South Africa, mining plays a far greater role than often recognised.

Beyond extracting resources, mines act as first adopters of new technologies, helping unlock:

• Local supply chains
• Skills development
• New business opportunities
• Regional economic growth

One standout example is renewable energy.

How Mining Is Accelerating Clean Energy Adoption

Mining companies have become early investors in solar and decentralized energy systems, helping create demand for:

• Local installers and maintenance services
• Equipment supply chains
• Technical expertise

Once these ecosystems are established, surrounding communities and small businesses gain more affordable access to clean energy, transforming livelihoods.

In South Africa, policy reforms have amplified this shift.

South Africa’s Energy Policy Unlocks Billions in Investment

A key turning point came in 2021, when South Africa increased the licensing exemption for private power generation from 1 MW to 100 MW.

The result:

• Mining companies have initiated ~3.5 GW of energy projects
• The pipeline could reach 5 GW by 2030

This demonstrates how regulatory reform + private sector investment can rapidly scale innovation.

Why Public-Private Dialogue Matters

Despite these gains, Van Zyl stresses that progress depends on honest and ongoing engagement between:

• Governments
• Mining companies
• Investors
• Communities

Effective collaboration ensures that:

• Regulations keep pace with innovation
• Investments are aligned with national goals
• Risks are managed more effectively

Without this alignment, even the best technologies can struggle to scale.

Learning from Failure to Drive Innovation

Innovation in mining isn’t always straightforward.

Van Zyl emphasizes the need for:

• Transparency around failed projects
• Flexibility in adapting new technologies
• Applying lessons from global and local experience

This approach helps reduce risk while accelerating progress across both technical operations and regulatory frameworks.

Mining’s Massive Economic Impact

Figures shared by the Minerals Council South Africa highlight the sector’s scale:

• Nearly 900,000 jobs supported
• Livelihoods of 3.6 million South Africans impacted

CEO Mzila Mthenjane describes mining as a “powerful multiplier”—where growth in the sector drives broader economic expansion.

A Growing Global Collaboration

Africa’s mining sector is also becoming increasingly interconnected globally.

With rising involvement from Chinese mining firms and financiers, companies like SRK Consulting are collaborating across borders—supporting projects in countries such as:

• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Ghana
• Zambia

These partnerships are strengthening technical expertise, improving project delivery, and enhancing knowledge transfer.

Bottom Line

Mining in Africa is no longer just about extraction—it’s becoming a catalyst for clean energy, innovation, and inclusive growth.

But unlocking its full transformative power will depend on one critical factor:
strong, transparent collaboration between the public and private sectors.