South African mineral beneficiation - beneficial for which benefactors?

South Africa’s Industrial Policy Action Plan (Ipap) has commissioned a study with an eye to advancing minerals beneficiation across five resource sub-sectors: ferrous minerals and metals, platinum-group metals, titanium and pigments, polymers, and mining inputs. The 3-year study officially ends on 31 March 2016 and is driven by the IDC under the guidance of the dti, Treasury, DMR and DST.

Dr Paul Jourdan, who co-authored the ANC's State Intervention in the Minerals Sector (Sims) policy document adopted at its December 2012 conference, is reportedly conducting the Mineral Value-Chains Strategy research. It is unclear which regulatory interventions and 'strategic' minerals will flow from the study.

Close to making possible amendments to the MPRDA, the DMR has started engaging with government and outside stakeholders, including 2 sessions concluded with the Chamber of Mines. CoM's Vusi Mabena says while industry supports government’s beneficiation goals, lack of skills and capacity are worrisome.

Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies and Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel on the beneficiation thrust contained in the fifth iteration of South Africa’s Industrial Policy Action Plan. Camera Work: Nicholas Boyd. Editing: Darlene Creamer. Recorded: 4.4.2013. Credit to Engineering News for the use of this video clip.