SNG: Can mining growth and transformation co-exist in South Africa?

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Maroefah SmithThe draft Mineral Resources Development Bill (MRDP) has been met with criticism, particularly on the clauses concerning BEE (Black Economic Empowerment) in South Africa's mining exploration. Many stakeholders argue that the imposition of BEE will discourage investor interest, which will hinder mining exploration and, in turn, job creation and economic growth in South Africa. With this in mind, Paul Dunne — Minerals Council South Africa president and Northam Platinum CEO — set out to answer the question of whether or not it's possible to drive economic growth and transformation simultaneously in South Africa. Dunne delivered a keynote address at the 2025 Joburg Indaba in Sandton.Paul Dunne — Minerals Council South Africa president and Northam CEO — delivered a keynote address at the 2025 Joburg Indaba in Sandton. Image supplied.Inextricably intertwinedHe says that the growth and transformation of South Africa's mining industry are not mutually exclusive but rather inextricably intertwined."We can’t have one without the other, and we need a stable, predictable regulatory environment that promotes both," he said.Dunne says that the MCSA agrees with the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe's sentiment that the mining industry is the most transformed sector in the South African economy.According to Dunne, mining has made substantial strides in transformation and addressing the historical injustices of the past.One of which is the inclusion of women, who now account for a fifth of the mining workforce. Before 1994, women were not legally allowed to be a part of the underground workforce. "A degree of stigma and even superstition has been overcome, and we are better off for it," says Dunne.Other progress outlined by Dunne includes:- HDSA ownership: A 2019 MCSA study, which reviewed progress made on the Mining Charter 2010, found that the respondents represented 70% of total sector production and achieved a 39% HDSA (Historically Disadvantaged South Africans) shareholding, surpassing the 26% target.- SLPs: The mining sector spends more than R3 billion annually on social and labour plan (SLP) projects and commitments, building houses, schools, roads, bridges, clinics, water, and sanitation infrastructure.- EE: An Employment Equity study undertaken in 2023, of members representing about half of the industry’s workforce, showed t...

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