Five Hundred million for mining and energy in the province

By Palesa Mofoti

Pictures by Lebogang

The Northern Cape Department of Mining Resources and Energy convened a mining and energy conference at Mittah Seperepere on 29 June under the theme ‘Realising Northern Cape’s investment potential in mining and energy.’

The Minister of Minerals, Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, was invited to the meeting.

Jacob Mbele, Director General of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, stated, “The conference aims to showcase untapped opportunities in the province, providing valuable insights into the latest trends and interventions by the Government to drive sustainable growth in the mining and energy sectors.”

Relevant stakeholders shared resources and insight to forge possible partnerships in the mining and energy sector.

Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), in conjunction with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energies (DRM), undertook to set up R500 million to assist with mining exploration in the province. The fund is expected to be ready by September 2023 with the assistance of the Premiere’s Office, Small Enterprise and Development Agency (SEDA) and National Empowerment Fund (NEF).

Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe said, “There’s petroleum in the country amounting to 70% of oil-based products, which must be explored. That oil and gas will change the economy’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth”.

Daphne Mashile-Nkosi, executive chairperson for Kgalagadi Manganese, pointed out, “We need policies that protect our minerals so that those who mine them do so at a cost. The government must declare minerals like manganese as strategic minerals in the country.”

MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Abraham Vosloo, highlighted that for the energy sector to thrive, the government needs to provide opportunities to Small Micro Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) to prepare them for the green energy space.

“The goal is to identify the skills needed in the renewable energy space and facilitate processes through higher education and to get them on board,” added the MEC.

In his closing remarks, Mantashe pleaded with investors to continue investing in mining because Northern Cape is part of the mining and energy corridor.