British High Commissioner Antony Phillipson will speak at the Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) Summit in Cape Town on 6 to 7 November 2024.
South Africa has up to 95% of the world’s platinum group metal (PGMs) reserves, 70% of its manganese reserves, and substantial reserves of vanadium, magnesium, nickel, and copper – essential for green hydrogen, solar PV, and energy storage technologies.
Phillipson is poised to highlight South Africa’s role in the energy transition, leveraging its vast reserves of platinum, manganese, vanadium, and other essential minerals.
He is expected to explore how the UK can tap into South Africa’s supply chain to meet the growing demand for energy transition metals.
As one of the largest investors in South Africa, the UK government is mobilising both private and public sector investors to strengthen South Africa’s critical minerals value chain, focusing on exploration, production, and value addition for critical mineral projects.
In March 2024, the British High Commission in Pretoria selected two startups in the critical minerals value chain as potential beneficiaries of the 2024 Climate Finance Accelerator in South Africa.
The program provides technical and financial assistance to innovative startups. Mpumalanga-based Creslow Energy Solutions will leverage support from UK institutions to advance its renewable battery manufacturing capabilities. Manganese Metal Company will develop a 5,000-ton (4,536-tonne) per annum manganese sulphate monohydrate plant in Mbombela to meet the increasing demand for batteries in electric vehicles.
At CMA 2024, Phillipson will discuss how the commission is engaging with British investors and mining firms to advance South Africa’s critical minerals value chain.
In the upstream sector, UK companies rank among the largest investors and producers of critical minerals in South Africa.
South Sudan’s Minister of Mining Martin Gama Abucha is also due to speak at the upcoming Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) 2024 summit.
South Sudan is currently forging partnerships with public and private sector entities, investors, exploration firms and technology companies to unlock its critical mineral potential.
The country is estimated to hold over 40 million tonnes of copper, along with significant untapped reserves of zinc, manganese, nickel and cobalt, essential to energy transition technologies.
“South Sudan holds immense untapped potential in its critical minerals sector. Efforts by the government to partner with global investors on new mining projects showcase its commitment to attracting foreign investment and leveraging its mineral resources, while generating lucrative returns for investors,” says Rachelle Kasongo, Event & Project Direct at Energy Capital & Power, organizers of CMA 2024.
Images: African Energy Chamber
