Minerals Council CEO Mzila Mthenjane Calls for Integrated Government Policy to Revitalize South African Exploration Sector

CEO Mzila Mthenjane warns that South Africa lacks "exploration DNA" and calls for a coordinated government policy to boost mining investment and energy metals.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 27, 2026, 10:54 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Mining Weekly

Mining Leadership Urges Cross Departmental Collaboration for Resource Development

The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Council South Africa, Mzila Mthenjane, has issued a formal call for the South African government to establish a synchronized policy framework across multiple departments. Addressing a recent webinar focused on junior and emerging miners, Mthenjane argued that the current fragmented regulatory landscape hinders the responsible development of the nation's mineral wealth. He suggested that a coordinated environment is essential to stimulate vigorous investment, particularly as the global market shifts toward the high demand for energy metals necessary for the green transition.

Geopolitical Scramble for Resources Highlights Need for Strategic Exploration

According to Mthenjane, the current global political climate is characterized by an intense competition for diminishing natural resources. He described the international landscape as a scramble for both mineral and energy assets, which serves as a critical backdrop for the South African industry. The CEO emphasized that exploration is the vital link in securing confidence within supply chains for both immediate and long term needs. Without a strategic focus on discovering new deposits, South Africa risks falling behind in a global market that is increasingly desperate for the raw materials that fuel modern technology.

Erosion of Exploration DNA Threatens Long Term Industry Sustainability

A significant concern raised during the session was the lack of recent greenfield developments, with Mthenjane noting that most active mines in South Africa were founded between 30 and 50 years ago. He hypothesized that the country has lost its "exploration DNA," a fundamental skill set required to identify and develop entirely new mining sites. To counter this, he called for a systemic re education of the sector and a restoration of confidence in greenfield projects. The creation of a comprehensive ecosystem for exploration is viewed as a prerequisite for meeting the mineral demands of the future.