South Africa reviews mining sector reforms at AMDC validation workshop

The African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC) has commenced a three-day Validation and Advocacy Workshop on the Sustainable Management of Mineral Resources in South Africa, bringing together key stakeholders to align the country’s mining sector with the Africa Mining Vision (AMV).

The workshop, which runs from January 27 to 29, 2026, is being held in Pretoria and focuses on ensuring that South Africa’s vast mineral endowment contributes meaningfully to inclusive development and long-term sustainability across the continent.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Tunde Arisekola, FNMGS, Acting Head of the AMDC, stressed that mineral wealth must translate into tangible benefits for African citizens, particularly women, youth, and communities directly affected by mining activities.

He noted that mineral resources should not merely be reflected as figures in gross domestic product (GDP) reports, but should play a central role in improving livelihoods and promoting equitable development.

Mr. Arisekola highlighted the recent launch of Africa’s Green Minerals Strategy (AGMS) and South Africa’s active role in shaping the G20 Critical Minerals Framework, describing the workshop as a timely step towards building a sustainable and responsible mining future for the continent.

The workshop is structured in two key phases aimed at moving from analysis to implementation.
Phase One, the Technical Validation phase, is taking place from January 27 to 28 and involves a detailed review of data and preliminary findings from the national evaluation, as well as an examination of proposed recommendations for South Africa’s mining sector.

Phase Two, scheduled for January 29, will focus on Advocacy Dialogue. This session will bring together multiple stakeholders, including the media, to deliberate on policy implications and strategies for advancing mining sector reforms.

The discussions form part of the African Mineral Governance Framework (AMGF) assessments, which are designed to support the development of a mining sector that is fair, forward-looking, and firmly grounded in the principles of the Africa Mining Vision.

The outcomes of the workshop are expected to inform policy direction and strengthen South Africa’s contribution to sustainable mining, regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and Africa’s transition towards green and critical minerals development.