South Africa’s Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, has called on African nations to unite and use their mineral resources as leverage against exploitation and unfavourable policies from the United States.
Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Mining Indaba in Cape Town, which runs from February 3 to 6, Mantashe proposed that Africa withhold its mineral exports to the U.S. as a potential response to recent developments. His comments come after U.S. President Donald Trump announced funding cuts to South Africa and raised concerns about the country’s Expropriation Act.
Since assuming office on January 20, President Trump has introduced tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China. Over the weekend, the White House revealed plans to cut funding to South Africa, citing allegations of land confiscation targeting “specific groups.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa quickly responded to the U.S. decision, while Mantashe used the Mining Indaba platform to advocate for a stronger stance.
“If the U.S. withdraws funding, we can withhold our minerals. Mantashe asserted that we must acknowledge Africa’s valuable resources and refrain from treating it as a beggar continent.
He emphasised the importance of Africa using its mineral wealth to benefit the continent, asserting that South Africa’s mining sector remains robust despite challenges in the gold mining industry.
He highlighted thriving sectors such as coal, platinum, manganese, chromium, and copper, which are in high demand globally.
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“We are leaders in many critical minerals needed for both current and future industries,” Mantashe noted.
The minister also called for African nations to work together to form a unified mining industry capable of competing globally while safeguarding the continent’s interests. He urged Africa to learn from the European Union’s collaborative approach, stressing the need for collective action to avoid vulnerability.
“The EU understands the strength of unity. Africa, on the other hand, often moves in different directions, which makes us weaker as a continent,” Mantashe said.
The Mining Indaba, an event aimed at attracting foreign investment to the mining sector, also served as a platform for Mantashe to address the role of investors. He encouraged transparency, asking investors to be honest about their profit-driven goals, while also stressing the importance of sustainable investments that benefit local communities and meet social development commitments.
He clarified South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policy, explaining that while it is vital, it does not apply during the mineral exploration phase but comes into effect during production.
“Exploration is about determining the quantity and quality of minerals. BEE becomes relevant at the production stage when value is being created,” he said.
Mantashe’s remarks highlighted the need for Africa to take control of its resources and negotiate better outcomes for its people while fostering long-term investment partnerships.
