Highlights

• Mintek is a 90-year-old research organization.
• It positions the South African mining industry as a 'sunrise industry' diversifying beyond traditional gold mining.
• The organization focuses on developing technologies for:
  • Green minerals
  • Critical minerals
  • Supporting the transition to low-carbon economies
• Mintek contributes 6.3% to South Africa's GDP.
• It aims to foster collaboration between government, private sector, and academia to drive technological innovation.

---

Gwede Mantashe (opens in a new tab), Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister for South Africa,  has described the mining industry as a “sunrise industry” that is diversifying from bygone eras. He reiterated this point during his address at the Mintek @90 Conference held in Sandton (opens in a new tab) on Monday.

Mintek (opens in a new tab) is, among other things, the national research and development entity specifically focused on mining and metallurgy.

 History of the Organization

The formation of Mintek dates to 1934, when the South African Government recognized the need to support the mining and metallurgical industry through research and development. This led to the establishment of the Minerals Research Laboratory, which was attached to the Department of Metallurgy and Assaying at the University of the Witwatersrand. Over the years, Mintek underwent various stages of development and renaming until the Council for Mineral Technology (MINTEK) was eventually formed reports SAnews.gov.za (opens in a new tab).

Mintek Today

Today, Mintek operates from its 23-hectare site in Randburg, which comprises world-class laboratories and piloting facilities. Over the years Mintek has developed patented technologies that are used in the integrated mining value chain in over 40 countries across the globe

“Mintek continues tofocus on conducting research that will not only have impactful outcomesfor the industry but drive technological innovations that will have a positive societal impact, stimulate economic growth, reduce unemployment and inequality, as well as eradicate poverty in South Africa.

“Thanks to the work that is being pioneered by the entity, in collaboration with the industry and various research institutions, that we can now confidently describe the South African mining industry as a sunrise industry that is diversifying from the gold mining era to a diversified industry with the world’s largest reserves of platinum group metals [PGM], manganese, chrome, coal, vanadium, and rare earth minerals,” Mantashe said.

Emphasis: Move to Decarbonize and Renewables

The Minister highlighted that as the need for transition towards renewable energy sources builds up steam, so will the need for PGM rise and this is where Mintek can become a “significant player” on a national, continental, and global stage. 

“The need for the world to transition from highcarbon emissions to low carbon emissions have increased the demand for ‘green’ minerals. As the world’s largest producer of manganese and chrome, the South African manganese and chrome sectors are equally poised to play a significant role in the global automotive and construction industries given the expected demand for green technologies and electric vehicles.

“As we continue to engage the manganese and chrome producers on mineral value-addition close to the point of production, given its existing pioneering research capabilities, Mintek can be a significant player in the global clean energy economy.

“While there is no universal consensus on the “critical minerals”, the approach by Mintek in developing South Africa’s critical minerals strategy is poised to guide not only South Africa’s, but Africa’s responsible exploration, processing, and exporting of these essential resources,” he said.

Rare Earth Exchanges recentlyreported that likelyPresident-elect Donald Trump will certainly leave the Paris Agreement, and this could impact the speed of any transition to a less carbon economy.

Mintek Active on Multiple Fronts

Turning to the challenge of illegal mining in the country, Mantashe revealed that Mintek is playing a role in “tackling ownerless and derelict mines by closing the holes that were left behind, thereby help in combating illegal mining and trading in ores”.

He added that the entity is also engaged in work to improving mining processes and efficiency as reported in the national news agency.

“Although funding for this project is not sufficient, there is visible progress which aligns with the government's commitment to addressing environmental sustainability and fostering sustainable growth within the industry.

“Furthermore, Mintek continues to lead the way in driving technological innovations that enhance metal recovery fromboth conventional and emerging processes. 

“Its focus on continually improving theseprocesses and ensuring the efficient utilization of energy and water resources by developing technologies to minimize environmental pollution, reflect government’s commitment to safe reclamation of waste, and further promotes broader environmental sustainability within the sector,” the Minister said.

Mining Sector in SA Equals 6.3% of GDP

Mantashe emphasized that the success of South Africa’s mining sector – which has contributed at least 6.3% to the nominal Gross Domestic Product this year – rests on not only on research and development but also on collaboration between government, the private sector and academia.

“These collaborations are essential for driving progress and fostering innovation, thereby enable us to tackle the complex challenges we face. By working together, we can leverage diverse expertise and resources, thus ensuring that our collective efforts are aligned with the industry's pressing needs.

“Such synergy not only enhances our ability torespond effectively to market demands but also promotes sustainable practices that benefit the economy and the environment.

“For the next 90 years, Mintek is poised to continue its trajectory of innovation and excellence in mineral technology. The ongoing commitment to advancing techniques in mineral extraction, refining, and processing will be pivotal in addressing both the current and emerging challenges in the industry,” Mantashe said.