Key Points
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Artisanal miners demand recognition in South Africa’s critical minerals boom.
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They argue reforms could reduce illegal mining and improve safety.
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Critical minerals boom risks deepening inequality without inclusion.
After being marginalized for a long time, South Africa’s artisanal miners are now demanding a formal share in the vital minerals boom in their nation.
According to a report by Mining weekly, small-scale producers contend that they cannot be left behind as foreign investors pour in due to the rising demand for minerals such as lithium, cobalt, manganese, and rare earths.
In South Africa’s highly regulated mining sector, artisanal miners—who frequently labor in hazardous and unofficial conditions—have long gone unrecognized. However, the debate is shifting due to the emergence of clean energy technologies that rely on critical minerals.
According to the miners, if they are not given access to new opportunities, the sector’s transformation will not be complete.
Critical minerals are the focus of artisanal miners
A more equitable policy framework is required, according to leaders of mining associations that represent small-scale diggers. They seek government assistance to gain access to markets that have historically been controlled by big businesses, credit facilities, and mineral rights.
According to a miners’ representative from Johannesburg, “critical minerals are not only for big corporations.” “We have communities that rely on these resources for survival, as well as skills and knowledge of the land.”
“Legal recognition could help curb illegal mining, which has escalated in some provinces and is increasingly linked to violent crime syndicates,” they add. They contend that formalizing artisanal miners would increase safety standards, create jobs, and raise tax revenues.
Opportunities and tension are fueled by the critical minerals boom
Manganese, vanadium, and platinum group metals—all essential to the clean energy transition—are found in some of the world’s largest deposits in South Africa.
The government has declared its goal to become a major supplier of battery minerals worldwide, but artisanal miners warn that if the strategy favors foreign corporations and local elites, it could exacerbate inequality.
With China and Western countries vying for supply chains, analysts observe that the critical minerals boom is changing global geopolitics. In that regard, artisanal miners in South Africa see an opportunity to establish a long-term position in a sector that frequently ignores them.
Proposals for changes to help artisanal miners
In order to create room for small operators, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has agreed to “review existing frameworks,” acknowledging the concerns. However, progress has been sluggish, and detractors claim that deep-rooted mining industry interests may oppose significant reform.
Artisanal miners are still lobbying for the time being, stating that exclusion may lead to more unrest in mining communities. A miner from the Limpopo province stated, “South Africa must include us if it wants a just transition.” “The people also own critical minerals.”
