Paul Mashatile will deliver a keynote speech in Cape Town

A major speech drops on Wednesday targeting how South Africa can cash in on the stuff the world desperately needs for batteries and green tech.

Deputy President's big Mining Indaba talk

• Paul Mashatile steps up on 11 February 2026 for the keynote.
• His address targets smarter investments in critical minerals and local processing.
• The South African Youth Economic Council hosts its 4th Annual event.

What the SAYEC gathering actually does

• This forum puts young people at the centre of mining ownership conversations.
• It runs alongside the larger African Mining Indaba at Cape Town's convention centre.
• Government officials, investors, and youth voices discuss mineral-driven economic growth.

Why critical minerals matter right now

• Platinum, manganese, lithium, and copper power clean energy tech and electric vehicles.
• Mashatile zeroes in on energy security and turning raw materials into finished products.
• His remarks could shape how the country grabs opportunities in global green power.

Fresh strategy rolled out in 2025

• South Africa's Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy identifies high-priority resources.
• The plan targets platinum group metals, manganese, iron ore, coal, and chrome.
• Lithium, vanadium, and rare earths get flagged as strong potential additions.

Moving beyond just digging and shipping

• Local processing creates more value, jobs, and economic returns at home.
• Estimates suggest 2.3 million African jobs and 12% GDP lift if executed properly.
• The country aims for electric vehicle and renewable energy supply chain positions.

Five core areas driving the strategy

• Exploration ramps up to discover new deposits across the region.
• Research funding targets better processing methods and manufacturing techniques.
• Local factories will transform minerals into batteries, steel, and other products.
• Infrastructure upgrades cover roads, ports, and power grids supporting sector growth.

Funding challenges and solutions proposed

• Blended financing mixes government cash with private loans and community bonds.
• Old regulations sometimes discourage investors from committing resources.
• Global green mining standards ensure clean, fair practices meet world demands.

Mashatile's energy security angle

• Steady power supply needs balancing while shifting to solar and wind sources.
• Batteries storing green energy require the critical minerals South Africa possesses.
• Beneficiation keeps money and manufacturing jobs local instead of exporting everything raw.

Inclusive ownership push gains momentum

• Spreading mine shares to youth, women, and black South Africans corrects past imbalances.
• Training programs and startup funds help young entrepreneurs enter the sector.
• This approach aims to build an industry lifting everyone, not just elites.

Mining Indaba 2026 context matters

• The wider event runs from 9 to 12 February with a record 10,500 attendees.
• Partnerships can fix infrastructure gaps and attract investment for green growth.
• Africa's cobalt, manganese, and graphite stores prove critical for global energy transitions.

G20 presidency framework established

• South Africa's 2025 leadership created new critical minerals processing guidelines.
• Continental Free Trade Area goals align with local value-addition priorities.
• Price swings and geopolitics pose challenges, but cooperation promises massive wins.

Youth employment opportunities expanding

• The sector currently employs over 500,000 people and contributes billions annually.
• Fresh skills for AI exploration and environmentally friendly mining attract young workers.
• New ties between government, major mines, and startups focus on factory construction.

Building batteries and solar components locally

• Beneficiation creates manufacturing jobs while fighting climate change.
• South Africa positions itself as a clean tech leader through strategic processing.
• Wednesday's address could unlock competitive advantages benefiting all citizens.