Post-Indaba CRM Field Visit Showcases South Africa’s Downstream Processing Potential

Following Mining Indaba 2026, a dedicated field visit across South Africa provided participants with first-hand insights into key downstream critical raw materials (CRM) and battery materials operations. The programme focused on industrial projects linked to manganese, platinum group metals (PGMs) and battery-grade nickel sulphate, highlighting South Africa’s growing importance within global clean energy and strategic raw materials value chains.

The field trip included a visit to MMC’s High-Purity Manganese Sulphate Monohydrate (HPMSM) smelter in Nelspruit, one of the world’s leading facilities for high-purity manganese products used in battery and specialty metal applications. Participants also had the opportunity to visit either Sibanye-Stillwater’s major PGM refinery in Brakpan or Thakadu’s battery-grade nickel sulphate plant near Rustenburg, one of Africa’s pioneering downstream battery materials facilities.

The visit highlighted the increasing role of Southern Africa not only as a mining region, but also as an emerging hub for value addition, refining and clean-energy industrial development. Discussions focused on opportunities for EU–Africa cooperation, industrial partnerships and the development of resilient and sustainable raw materials value chains.