South Africa

2024 Report

Full data release with tables here.

Introduction

The Republic of South Africa (South Africa) remained one of the world’s top mining and mineral-processing countries. In 2024, South Africa was the world’s leading producer of andalusite, chromium, manganese, platinum, and vermiculite; the 2d-ranked producer of palladium, rutile, and zircon; the 3d-ranked producer of ilmenite and vanadium; the 4th-ranked producer of garnet (industrial) and fluorspar; the 5th-ranked producer of diamond (industrial), and talc and pyrophyllite; the 6th-ranked producer of diamond (gemstones); the 8th-ranked producer of iron ore (Fe content); and the 12th-ranked producer of gold. South Africa’s estimated share of world mined platinum production by volume amounted to 70%; chromium, 46%; manganese, 40%; mined palladium, 38%; vermiculite, 35%; rutile and zircon, 22% each; ilmenite, 14%; diamond (industrial), 8%; vanadium, 7%; garnet (industrial) and talc, about 5% each; fluorspar, 4%; and diamond (gemstone), gold, and iron ore (Fe content), 3% each. South Africa also played a globally significant role in the production of ferromanganese, iridium, perlite, phosphate rock, rhodium, ruthenium, silicon, and tellurium. Other mineral commodities produced included aluminum, clay, cobalt, copper, feldspar, ferrochromium, ferrosilicon, ferrovanadium, gypsum, lead, lime, magnesite, mica, nickel, pig iron, raw steel, salt, sand and gravel for construction, selenium, silicomanganese, silver, stone, sulfur, uranium, wollastonite, and zinc (Brioche, 2026; Ewing, 2026; Flanagan, 2026a, b; Jasinski, 2026; Johnston, 2026; Kim, 2026; Londono, 2026; MacGregor, 2026; Olson, 2026a–c; Polyak, 2026; Schnebele, 2026; Schulte, 2026a, b; Sheaffer, 2026; Simmons, 2026a, b; Tuck, 2026). 

Minerals in the National Economy 

In 2024, the country’s nominal gross domestic product (GDP) was about \$401 billion. The country’s real GDP increased by 0.5% in 2024 compared with a 0.8% increase in 2023. The mineral industry contributed 6.0% to the country’s GDP in 2024 compared with a revised 6.2% in 2023; and employed 473,484 people in 2024 compared with 479,228 in 2023 or about 4% of the total employment in the country. In 2024, platinum-group-metals (PGMs) mining accounted for about 37% of the mineral industry’s employment; coal, 21%; gold, 19%; iron ore and chromite, 5% each; diamond and manganese, 3% each; and other minerals, 7%. South Africa’s mineral exploration spending decreased by 7.5% in 2024 compared with that in 2023 and a decreased of 87% compared with that in 2006, the year when exploration spending peaked in the country. In 2024, the Government supported mineral exploration through the Junior Mining Exploration Fund for qualifying junior miners. The Council for Geoscience advanced national geological mapping to improve exploration targeting. The DMRE’s 2024/25 budget provided additional resources to sustain exploration and sector initiatives (AmaranthCX, 2024, Bernhardt, 2024; Kgaditsi, Thabisho, 2024; SouthAfrican Business, 2024, Minerals Council South Africa, 2025, p. 6, 14, 16, 21, 26, 30, 34, 38; Statistics South Africa, 2025, p. 4;World Bank, The, 2025, p. 1, 2). 

Government Policies and Programs 

Mining of minerals was governed by the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002 (MPRDA), which became effective in May 2004. Under section 100(2)(a) of the MPRDA, the Government introduced the Mining Charter, first published in 2004 and later revised through the Amended Mining Charter of 2010. The 2010 Charter required mining companies to achieve 26% Black ownership and permitted companies to offset up to 11% of this requirement through domestic beneficiation. It also requires firms to source 70% of services, 50% of consumables, and 40% of capital goods from Black Economic Empowerment (BEE)-aligned entities, and to report annually on community development, sustainability initiatives, and progress in mineral beneficiation (Creamer, 2010). 

A new Mining Charter, introduced in 2017 and effective in March 2019, raised Black ownership to 30%, allocating 20% to BEE entrepreneurs and 5% each to employees and nearby communities. Downstream-processing credits were reduced to 5%, though companies holding 26% Black ownership at the time of implementation remained compliant. The Charter also increased procurement requirements to 80% for services and 70% for goods sourced from South African companies (Beech and Livingston, 2017; Liedtke, 2018; Bulbulia, 2019). 

For most of 2024, the mining industry was regulated by the Department of Mineral Resources & Energy (DMRE), which grants mining rights and issues environmental authorizations under the MPRDA. In August of 2024, the newly created Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) assumed responsibility for mining, minerals, and petroleum following the Government reorganization formalized in Proclamation No. 179 of 2024. Environmental regulations were enforced under National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (formerly Department of Environmental Affairs). Decisions by the DMPR regarding environmental permits for mining operations may be appealed under NEMA guidelines to the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment or their appeals directorate (Department of Government Communication and Information System, 2023; Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, 2026).  

Production  

Data on mineral production are in the Production table (formerly table 1).  

Structure of the Mineral Industry 

Most of the mineral industry in South Africa was privately and foreign owned, with only a limited number of operations held by State-owned enterprises. The production of diamond and gold was dominated by large-scale private producers, which included both domestically based companies and foreign-controlled firms. The leading producer’s share of total output varied widely by commodity. Ammonia, primary refined aluminum, industrial garnet, mined lead, magnesite, manganese metal, silicon metal, stainless steel, vermiculite, and wollastonite were each produced by a single company, typically a privately owned or foreign-affiliated operator. South Africa also had many domestic producers of aggregates, clay and shale, and construction sand, although capacity, location, ownership, and production information for these small-scale operations were not readily available. The Facilities table (formerly table 2) is a list of major mineral industry facilities. 

Mineral Trade 

Crude mineral products (which included refined metals other than aluminum and silicon and fuel minerals) accounted for nearly 29% of the value of South Africa’s total exports in 2024, which was \$111 billion¹. About 73% of crude mineral products, by value, were exported in 2024. South Africa’s exports of gold were \$7.46 billion in 2024; iron ore, \$4.70 billion; platinum, \$3.60 billion; rhodium, \$2.29 billion; manganese ore, \$2.65 billion; palladium, \$2.01 billion; chromite, \$1.65 billion; iridium, \$913 million; ilmenite, lithium, rutile, and zircon, a total of \$707 million; nickel, \$432 million; industrial minerals, a total of \$474 million; diamond, \$314 million; zinc, \$311 million; and ruthenium, \$359 million (South African Revenue Service, 2025; Bulelwa Satsha, Administrative Officer, Department of Mineral Resources & Energy of the Republic of South Africa, written commun., August 22, 2025). 

The percentage of export sales of mineral commodities produced in South Africa varied widely by commodity. In 2024, the percentage of export sales by volume were iron ore, 88%; manganese, 85%; nickel 78%; diamond, 62%; chromium ore, 34%; granite, 29%; cobalt, 23%; and lime, less than 1%. The percentage of export sales by volume for copper, gold, lead, PGMs, silver, and zinc exceeded 90%. All sales of aggregates, clays and shale other than bentonite, feldspar, gypsum, sand for construction, and sodium sulfate were domestic (Bulelwa Satsha, Administrative Officer, Department of Mineral Resources & Energy of the Republic of South Africa, written commun., August 22, 2025). 

China remained one of South Africa’s principal export partners in 2024, capturing dominant shares across several mineral commodities. Chromium ore and concentrates were mainly exported to China (49% of total volume exported), Mozambique (40%), and Hong Kong (2%); iron ore was exported largely to China (55%), the Netherlands (12%), and Mozambique (11%); manganese ore and concentrates went to China (64%), India (16%), and Singapore (3%); nickel ore was shipped to China (66%), the Netherlands (21%), and Belgium (4%). PGMs (platinum) were primarily exported to the United States (25%), Japan (24%), and the United Kingdom (20%). Unwrought aluminum was exported to the United States (28%), the Netherlands (17%), and Japan (16%), while zinc ore and concentrates were sent to China (>86%), the Republic of Korea (10%), and Slovakia (3%). Gold was mainly exported to China, India, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom (Trade Data Monitor LLC, 2026).  

In 2024, South Africa’s total imports were valued at \$101 billion. Imports of mineral products (which included mineral fuels) accounted for 19.8% of imports by value; base metals and articles of base metal, 5.4%; and other minerals and mineral products including precious metals, semiprecious and precious stones, and articles of cement, as much as 2.7% (South African Revenue Service, 2025). 

In 2024, South Africa was the leading source of chromium, palladium, platinum, and zirconium for the United States. It also supplied several other commodities for which the United States was significantly net import reliant, including diamond (gem), fluorspar, manganese, titanium mineral concentrates, and vanadium. Overall, South Africa had a net export balance with the United States in 2024 of \$8.9 billion. South Africa’s exports of goods to the United States were valued at about \$14.7 billion in 2024. Precious metals (mostly PGMs) accounted for about 25% of these exports, which were valued at \$3.7 billion. Diamond (gem) exports to the United States were valued at about \$1.0 billion; gold, \$682 million; bauxite and aluminum, \$423 million; nickel, \$57 million; nonferrous metals (other; not specified), \$97 million; sulfur, \$65 million; iron and steel (processed), \$14 million; and gemstones (other; not specified), $5 million. Other mineral-related exports to the United States included steelmaking materials, \$659 million; iron and steel mill products, \$127 million; nuclear fuel materials, \$56 million; petroleum products (other; not specified), \$40 million; drilling and oilfield equipment, \$22 million; coal and related fuels, \$14 million; specialized mining (equipment), $9 million; aggregates (stone, sand, cement, etc.), $8 million; and iron and steel products (not specified), about $4 million (U.S. Geological Survey, 2026, p. 11, 30; U.S. Census Bureau, 2026b).  

South Africa’s imports from the United States were valued at \$5.8 billion in 2024. Crude petroleum accounted for about 5% of these imports, which were valued at about \$311 million. Other mineral-related imports from the United States included petroleum products (other; not specified), \$247 million; natural gas liquids, \$246 million; specialized mining (equipment), \$41 million; iron and steel products (other; not specified), \$26 million; metallurgical grade coal, \$25 million; and iron and steel mill products, $3 million. Precious metals (other; not specified) imports from the United States were valued at about \$65 million; diamond (gem), \$29 million; nonferrous metals (other; not specified), $5 million; aluminum and alumina, $2 million; and copper, $1 million (U.S. Census Bureau, 2026a). 

Commodity Review 

Aluminum.—South Africa produced primary aluminum from alumina imported from Australia. South32 Ltd. of Australia operated the Hillside primary aluminum smelter at Richards Bay; production at Hillside smelter was 723,000 metric tons (t) in 2024 compared with 716,000 t in 2023. Hulamin Ltd. used aluminum from Hillside smelter in the manufacture of rolled aluminum products. In 2024, Hulamin produced nearly 170,000 t of rolled aluminum products compared with 174,000 t in 2023 (South32 Ltd., 2024, p. 12; 2025, p. 11; Hulamin Ltd., 2025, p. 62). 

Chromium.—In 2024, total chromite production was about 22.9 million metric tons (Mt) compared with 19.7 Mt in 2023. In 2024, ferrochromium production was estimated to be about 2.8 Mt. Ferrochromium production continued to be constrained by power supply instability (owing to aging infrastructure, coal supply issues, and increasing demand), elevated electricity tariffs, and water scarcity, all of which hampered smelting operations (Merafe Resources Ltd., 2025, p. 51; Bulelwa Satsha, Administrative Officer, Department of Mineral Resources & Energy of the Republic of South Africa, written commun., August 22, 2025). 

Glencore plc of Switzerland and its joint-venture partner Merafe Resources Ltd. operated the Boshoek, Helena, Kroondal, Magareng, Marikana, Thorncliffe, and Waterval Mines. Glencore and Merafe produced about 2.91 Mt of chromite in 2024, nearly the same as in 2023. Glencore and Merafe also operated the Boshoek, Lion, Lydenburg, Rustenburg, and Wonderkop ferrochromium plants, which had a total capacity of 2.34 million metric tons per year (Mt/yr). As of yearend, the Lydenburg plant was in care-and-maintenance status. The companies produced 1.47 Mt of ferrochrome in 2024 compared with 1.46 Mt in 2023 (Glencore plc, 2025a, p. 1; Merafe Resources Ltd., 2025, p. 22, 25). 

Samancor Chrome (Pty.) Ltd. operated the Eastern Chrome Mines in Mpumalanga Province and the Western Chrome Mines in North West Province. The company operated six ferrochromium plants with a total capacity of about 2.4 Mt/yr. In 2024, Samancor Chrome produced an estimated 1.3 Mt of ferrochromium. Based on Samancor Chrome’s ferrochromium production levels, the company produced an estimated 2.6 Mt of chromite for use in its plants in 2024 (Merafe Resources Ltd., 2025, p. 22, 25; Samancor Chrome (Pty.) Ltd., undated). 

Assore Ltd. owned the Dwarsrivier Mine in Limpopo Province. The company was producing chromite at the rate of about 2.4 Mt/yr in 2023 (the latest year for which data were available); mining shifted from open pit to underground in 2022. The estimated remaining life of the mine was 35 years (Dwarsrivier Chrome Mine (Pty.) Ltd., 2023). 

Sibanye-Stillwater Ltd. operated the Marikana and Rustenburg PGM mines and produced chromite as a coproduct. In 2024, Sibanye-Stillwater produced 2.67 Mt of chromite from the Upper Group 2 (UG2) layer of ore in the Bushveld Complex at Marikana and Rustenburg compared with 2.32 Mt in 2023 (Facilities table; Sibanye-Stillwater Ltd., 2026). 

In fiscal year 2024 (which started on October 1, 2023, and ended on September 30, 2024), Tharisa Minerals (Pty.) Ltd. of Cyprus increased chromite production to 1.70 Mt of chromite at the Tharisa Mine, compared with 1.58 Mt in 2023. Higher concentrate production was attributed to an increase in mining output, recovery rate, and ore grade. Tharisa Minerals planned to produce between 1.65 Mt and 1.80 Mt in fiscal year 2025 (Facilities table; Tharisa Minerals (Pty.) Ltd., 2024a, p. 14, 32, 33). 

Anglo American Platinum Ltd. (Amplats) operated plants at the Amandelbult and Modikwa Mines that produced chromite from UG2 ore. In 2024, Amplats produced 846,000 t of chromite at Amandelbult compared with 918,000 t in 2023 owing to safety stoppages. Production at Modikwa decreased to 52,000 t in 2024 from 55,000 t in 2023 owing to the closure of the South 1 shaft (Anglo American Platinum Ltd., 2025, p. 10, 11). 

In 2024, Northam Platinum Ltd. produced 1.37 Mt of chromite from UG2 ore at its Booysendal, Eland, and Zondereinde Mines compared with 1.23 Mt in 2023. Production at the Booysendal Mine increased to 719,038 t in 2024 from 716,365 t in 2023; at the Zondereinde Mine, to 456,529 t from 435,151 t; and at the Eland Mine, to 195,326 t from 75,092 t. Production increased owing to higher mining tonnages, improved feed grades, and better concentrator recoveries across all mines. Additional gains came from the rampup of production at Eland, and increased production from Zondereinde’s Western extension (Northam Platinum Ltd., 2024, p. 142, 154, 166; 2025, 118, 134, 146, 158, 168–172). 

Eastern Platinum Ltd. (Eastplats) of Canada recovered chromite from UG2 tailings at the Crocodile River Mine. In 2024, Eastplats produced 255,649 t of chromite at Crocodile River, compared with 486,166 t in 2023. The decrease was due to fewer tailings available for processing in 2024. The company started to process UG2 ore from the Zandfontein underground section at the Crocodile River Mine in October 2024, producing 18,118 t of chromite. The company planned to increase production at the Zandfontein underground section in 2025 (Eastern Platinum Ltd., 2025). 

Chromite in concentrates sales from the Two Rivers Mine, which was operated by Two Rivers Platinum Mine (Pty.) Ltd. and was a joint venture between African Rainbow Minerals Ltd. (ARM) and Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd. (Implats), decreased to 134,911 t in 2024 from 180,923 t in 2023. The company planned to produce about 183,000 metric tons per year (t/yr) at Two Rivers by July 2025 (African Rainbow Minerals Ltd., 2024a, p. 7, 64, 71; 2024b, p. 15; 2025, p. 13). 

Copper, Lead, and Zinc.—In 2024, mined zinc production decreased to 132,839 t from 197,630 t in 2023 and mined copper increased to 53,308 t from 50,023 t. Mined lead production decreased to 27,499 t in 2024 from 40,271 t in 2023 (Bulelwa Satsha, Administrative Officer, Department of Mineral Resources & Energy of the Republic of South Africa, written commun., August 22, 2025).  

Palabora Mining Company Ltd. produced copper at its Palabora Mine, smelter, and refinery near Phalaborwa. The company produced copper rods from its refined copper. At yearend 2024, production and sales figures for 2023 and 2024 were not readily available. Palabora Mining was engaged in an expansion of its mine and smelter in 2024. The mine’s ore-processing capacity was about 9 Mt /yr in 2024. The company planned capacity of the smelter was to be between 70,000 and 80,000 t/yr. The estimated remaining life of the copper mining operations was 12 years (Facilities table; Mysteel 2023; Palabora Mining Co., undated, p. 5; Pala Connector, 2024, p. 11). 

Vedanta Resources Ltd. (Vedanta) of the United Kingdom owned the Gamsberg open pit mine and the Black Mountain Mine in Northern Cape Province. Production at Gamsberg decreased to 147,000 t of zinc in concentrate in fiscal year 2024 (which started on April 1, 2023, and ended on March 31, 2024) compared with 208,000 t in fiscal year 2023 (which started on April 1, 2022, and ended on March 31, 2023); and at the Black Mountain Mine (which produced copper, lead, silver, and zinc), metal production in concentrate decreased to 61,000 t in fiscal year 2024 compared with 65,000 t in fiscal year 2023. Production decreased in both mines owing to lower ore grades. In 2024, Vedanta continued its mining expansion project at Gamsberg and announced plans to complete the 200,000-t/yr zinc concentrator by the second half of fiscal year 2025. The company also planned to build a new smelter at Gamsberg with a capacity of 300,000 t/yr of zinc metal (Facilities table; Vedanta Resources Ltd., 2025, p. 63, 64, 173, 175, 217).  

Orion Minerals Ltd. of Australia planned to reopen the Prieska Mine in Northern Cape Province, which shut down mining operations at Prieska in 1991. Orion planned to produce 680,000 t of zinc in concentrate and 226,000 t of copper in concentrate over the estimated 12-year life of the mine. The company completed trial mining in 2024 (Orion Minerals Ltd., 2025, p. 25). 

Diamond.—In 2024, diamond production was 5.3 million carats compared with 5.9 million carats in 2023. Kimberlites accounted for about 96% of diamond production in 2024; alluvial deposits, 3%; and marine deposits, 2%. Decreased production was primarily attributable to lower global demand for natural diamonds (Perold, 2025; Bulelwa Satsha, Administrative Officer, Department of Mineral Resources & Energy of the Republic of South Africa, written commun., August 22, 2025). 

In 2024, Petra Diamonds Ltd. produced 2.34 million carats compared with 2.54 million carats in 2023. Production decreased at the Cullinan Mine to 1.43 million carats in 2024 from 1.46 million carats in 2023 and at the Finsch Mine to 0.91 million carats from 1.08 million carats. Petra had planned to increase production at the Cullinan Mine as a new ore body entered production in 2024, and at the Finsch Mine as a new mining area was expected to be commissioned in 2025 (Petra Diamonds Ltd., 2024a, p. 35, 37; 2024b, p. 23; 2025, p. 11, 22). 

De Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd. produced 2.2 million carats of diamond at the Venetia Mine in 2024 compared with 2.0 million carats in 2023 and 5.5 million carats in 2022. The Venetia Mine’s open pit reserves were fully depleted in December 2022. However, De Beers began processing stockpiles of low-grade ore from the surface operations while it ramped up underground mining operations. Once underground operations reach full capacity, the company expected to produce about 4.5 million carats per year by 2027. Mining was expected to continue until 2046 (Facilities table; Anglo American plc, 2024, p. 9; 2025, p. 12; Peter, 2024). 

Fluorspar.—In 2024, South Africa’s total fluorspar production decreased to 447,000 t from 478,000 t in 2023. South Africa’s fluorspar output and exports decreased in 2024 mainly because of higher fluorspar prices early in the year, festive-season shutdowns, and logistical disruptions reduced export volumes (Facilities table, Production table, Modiselle, 2025a–c; Muravha, 2025a). 

Fluorchemicals South Africa (Pty.) Ltd. planned to start a feasibility study on a new fluorochemicals plant in Eastern Cape Province in February 2025. The company planned to make a final investment decision on the plant, which would produce anhydrous hydrogen fluoride from domestic fluorspar, by November 2025. Depending on the results of the decision, construction could start in the third quarter of 2026. In the first phase of the project, the capacity was expected to be 60,000 t/yr of anhydrous hydrogen fluoride and, in the second phase, 100,000 t/yr. The first phase could start production in 2028 and the second phase, in 2030 or 2031. Production from the plant could be exported to Asia, Europe, North America, and South America (Maredi, 2025a).  

Garnet, Industrial.—Mineral Commodities Ltd. produced industrial garnet from the Tormin Mine only during the first half of 2024, after which operations were suspended when storm damage and an oil spill from a compromised vessel rendered the mining facilities and associated infrastructure unviable for mineral production. In 2024, the company produced an estimated 40,000 t compared with 96,485 t in 2023 (Mineral Commodities Ltd., 2024; 2025, p. 2, 6, 26). 

Gold.—South Africa’s mined gold production was 90,208 kilograms (kg) in 2024 compared with 96,626 kg in 2023. The continued decrease in output was primarily attributable to mines operating at depths of up to 4 kilometers, which led to challenging geologic conditions, high ore haulage and refrigeration costs, and low labor productivity. In 2024, refined gold production throughput from the Rand Refinery in Germiston, operated by Rand Refinery (Pty.) Ltd., was 234,000 kg. The majority of the company’s production was sourced from gold mined in African countries including Ghana, Mali, Namibia, and Tanzania and 38% was sourced domestically (PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc., 2024, p. 18, 19; Bulelwa Satsha, Administrative Officer, Department of Mineral Resources & Energy of the Republic of South Africa, written commun., August 22, 2025; Rand Refinery (Pty.) Ltd., 2025, p. 51). 

Harmony Gold Mining Co., Ltd., which continued to be the leading producer of mined gold in South Africa, produced a total of 43,477 kg of gold from its South African operations in fiscal year 2024 (which started on July 1, 2023, and ended on June 30, 2024) compared with 41,281 kg in fiscal year 2023. The Mponeng Mine produced 8,751 kg in fiscal year 2024; the Moab Khotsong Mine, 6,599 kg; the Tshepong North and South Mines, a total of 6,377 kg; the Kusasalethu Mine, 3,842 kg; the Doornkop Mine, 3,470 kg; the Target 1 Mine, 1,859 kg; the Masimong Mine, 1,780 kg; the Joel Mine, 1,733 kg; Kalgold, Phoenix, and other surface operations, over 10,000 kg. Mining operations at Bambanani Mine were shut down in 2024. Harmony planned to produce a total of between 39,000 and 42,000 kg of gold at its South African operations in fiscal year 2025 (Harmony Gold Mining Company Ltd., 2024, p. 6, 10–41). 

Sibanye-Stillwater Ltd. also mined gold at the Beatrix, Driefontein, and Kloof Mines, and at the Cooke Operations. In 2024, production at the Kloof Mine decreased to 4,892 kg from 7,433 kg in 2023; at Driefontein, to 7,015 kg from 7,258 kg in 2023; at Beatrix, to 3,765 kg from 4,237 kg in 2023; and at the Cooke Operation increased to 1,224 kg from 1,186 kg in 2023. Total planned production at Beatrix, Cooke, Driefontein, and Kloof for 2025 was between 17,000 and 18,000 kg. Sibanye-Stillwater also held a 50.1% interest in DRDGold Ltd, which produced gold at the Ergo and the Far West Gold Recovery Operations (FWGR). Ergo and FWGR produced a total of 5,019 kg in 2024 compared with 5,098 kg in 2023 (Sibanye-Stillwater Ltd., 2025, p. 4, 6; 2026). 

Gold Fields Ltd. produced about 8,313 kg of gold at the South Deep Mine in Gauteng Province in 2024 compared with 10,021 kg in 2023. Decreased production in 2024 was attributable to several factors, including lower recovery rates. Gold Fields planned production for 2025 was between 8,700 and 9,500 kg (Facilities table; Gold Fields Ltd., 2025, p. 73). 

In its fiscal year 2024 (which started on July 1, 2023, and ended on June 30, 2024), Pan African Resources plc produced 5,786 kg of gold compared with 5,450 kg in fiscal year 2023. Production at the Barberton Mine Complex was 2,223 kg in fiscal year 2024; the Elikhulu Tailings Retreatment Project (Elikhulu), 1,705 kg; the Evander Mines, 1,191 kg; and the Barberton Tailings Retreatment Project (BTRP), 587 kg. Pan African planned to produce a total of about 7,000 kg in its fiscal year 2025. The company was also engaged in the construction of the Mogale Tailings Retreatment project, which was expected to produce nearly 1,600 kilograms per year (kg/yr) of gold (Pan African Resources plc, 2024, p. 4, 5, 7, 13). 

In 2022, Theta Gold Mines Ltd. (Australia) completed a feasibility study for its Transvaal Gold Mining Estate (TGME) underground gold project near Johannesburg. The company continued advancing the TGME project in 2024 and planned to begin mining at four sites as part of the project’s first development phase. The company expected to produce more than 3,100 kg/yr of gold by the third year of mining and increase to 5,000 kg/yr by the fifth year as TGME operations increase to a total of seven mines in the second phase. The estimated life of the TGME project was 13 years (Simcock, 2022: Theta Gold Mines Ltd., 2024, p. 4, 5, 14–16). 

Gypsum.—Saint-Gobain Construction Products SA (a subsidiary of Compagnie de Saint-Gobain SA of France) produced gypsum from the Boesmanland and Dikpens Mines in Northern Cape Province and the Maskam Mine in Western Cape Province. Gypsum was also mined by other companies including Pretoria Portland Cement Co. (Oty.) Ltd. In 2024, South Africa’s gypsum production was 164,581 t compared with 226,749 t in 2023. Production decreased primarily because of import competition mainly sourced from Oman (DeWater, 2022, p. 109, 117; Bulelwa Satsha, Administrative Officer, Department of Mineral Resources & Energy of the Republic of South Africa, written commun., August 22, 2024; Maredi, 2025b). 

Rainbow Rare Earths was considering the production of gypsum from phosphogypsum tailings at Phalaborwa. In December 2024, the company published an interim economic study indicating the company could produce 2.2 Mt/yr of phosphogypsum for 16 years including heavy-rare-earth elements (Rainbow Rare Earths Ltd., 2026).  

Iron Ore.—In 2024, iron ore production was about 62.8 Mt compared with 63.2 Mt in 2023. Nearly 81% of South Africa’s iron ore output was in the form of hematite in 2024. Exports increased to 57.9 Mt in 2024 from 56.1 Mt in 2023 (Production table; Bulelwa Satsha, Administrative Officer, Department of Mineral Resources & Energy of the Republic of South Africa, written commun., August 22, 2025). 

Kumba Iron Ore Ltd., which operated the Kolomela and Sishen Mines, produced 35.7 Mt of iron ore in 2024, almost unchanged from 2023 production. The Sishen Mine’s iron ore output increased to 25.7 Mt in 2024 from 25.4 Mt in 2023, and the Kolomela Mine's decreased to 10.1 Mt in 2024 from 10.3 Mt in 2023. Ore grades remained steady at 64.1% iron. Kumba planned to produce 35 to 37 Mt in 2025 (Facilities table; Anglo American plc, 2025, p. 8, 9). 

Assmang (Pty.) Ltd. produced iron ore at the Beeshoek and Khumani Mines. In 2024, total production increased to 14.1 Mt from 14.0 Mt in 2023. About 83% of Assmang’s sales were exports. Khumani’s estimated remaining life was 20 years and Beeshoek’s, 6 years. The company planned to produce about 14.7 Mt/yr in fiscal year 2025 (which started on July 1, 2024, and ended on June 30, 2025) (African Rainbow Minerals Ltd., 2024a, p. 7, 76, 83; 2024b, p. 9; 2025, p. 8–9). 

Kyanite and Related Minerals.—South Africa continued to be the world’s leading producer of andalusite. In 2024, production was about 120,000 t compared with 147,800 t in 2023. Production decreased owing to reduced labor force, labor strikes, and low production at the Annesley Mine. Imerys South Africa (Pty.) Ltd. (a subsidiary of Imerys Group of France) operated the Annesley, Segorong, and Thabazimbi Mines. The company accounted for most of domestic andalusite production and had the capacity to produce 250,000 t/yr (estimated). ARM Andalusite (Pty.) Ltd. operated the Maroeloesfontein Mine, which had a capacity of 72,000 t/yr. (Facilities table; Modiselle, 2024, 2025; ARM Andalusite (Pty.) Ltd., 2026; Hatfield, 2026). 

Lime.—In 2024, lime sales decreased to about 830,277 t from 1.01 Mt in 2023. Sales for use in the chemical industry accounted for 49% of total sales in 2024; pyrometallurgical applications, at least 42%; and water purification, at least 6% (Bulelwa Satsha, Administrative Officer, Department of Mineral Resources & Energy of the Republic of South Africa, written commun., August 22, 2025). 

Manganese.—In 2024, manganese ore production was about 19.6 Mt compared with 19.1 Mt in 2023. Total estimated production of manganese alloys (ferromanganese and silicomanganese) decreased to 182,100 t in 2024 from 197,000 t in 2023. The decrease in the production of ferromanganese was attributable to continuing increased power costs over the years. In its 2023 fiscal year (which began on April 1, 2022, and ended on March 31, 2023), Transnet SOC Ltd. transported 14.1 Mt of manganese ore to ports in South Africa (Production table; Transnet SOC Ltd., 2023, p. 14; Bulelwa Satsha, Administrative Officer, Department of Mineral Resources & Energy of the Republic of South Africa, written commun., August 22, 2025). 

Assmang’s production of manganese ore at the Gloria and Nchwaning Mines near Black Rock was about 3.9 Mt in 2024, almost unchanged from that in 2023. The company planned to export 3.6 Mt of ore and produce 4.1 Mt/yr by the end of fiscal year 2025. The estimated remaining life of Assmang’s manganese mines was more than 30 years (Facilities table; African Rainbow Minerals Ltd., 2024a, p. 7, 76, 84; 2024b, p. 10; 2025, p. 10). 

Hotazel Manganese Mines (Pty.) Ltd. operated the Mamatwan and Wessels Mines near Hotazel in Northern Cape Province. In 2024, Hotazel’s output of manganese was about 2.1 Mt compared with 3.38 Mt in 2023. Production was reduced because of a planned shutdown of Mamatwan for maintenance in the first quarter of 2024, a temporary shutdown in Wessels in December 2024 and lower manganese prices. Ore grades from the company’s sales were about 39% manganese in 2024 (South32 Ltd., 2024, p. 13; 2025, p. 9, 12). 

Tshipi é Ntle Manganese Mining (Pty.) Ltd. operated the Tshipi Borwa Mine in the Northern Cape. In fiscal year 2024 (which started on July 1, 2023, and ended on June 30, 2024), the mine produced 3.5 Mt of manganese ore. As of June 2024, the Tshipi Borwa had reserves of 82.2 Mt of ore at an average grade of 35.9% manganese (Jupiter Mines Ltd., 2024, p. 9, 22). 

United Manganese of Kalahari (Pty.) Ltd. (UMK) operated the Russik Mine in Northern Cape Province, which produced ore at a grade of 37.5% manganese. In 2024, UMK’s production was about 2.5 Mt compared with 2.2 Mt in 2023. Manganese ore from the Russik Mine was used by Transalloys (Pty.) Ltd., in which Renova Group held 23.78% interest in the production of silicomanganese. The company, which had a capacity of 180,000 t/yr, was the only silicomanganese producer in South Africa. In 2024, the company’s production decreased to about 66,000 t from 98,000 t in 2023 owing to increased power cost and operational challenges (Khaile, 2018, p. 29; Eramet SA, 2024, p. 59; 2025, p. 63; International Manganese Institute, 2025).  

Other manganese ore producing companies included Asia Minerals Ltd. (AML) of Hong Kong, which operated the Kudumane Mine at Farm York; Exxaro Resources Ltd. and Ntsimbintle Mining (Pty.) Ltd., which produced ore at their Mokala Mine near Hotazel; and the Kalagadi Manganese (Pty.) Ltd., which operated the Kalagadi Mine at Hotazel (Glencore plc, 2025b, p. 27; Eramet SA, 2025, p. 63). 

Nickel.—Amplats produced 25,700 t of refined nickel in 2024 compared with 21,800 t in 2023. In 2024, the company mined about 17,900 t of nickel in South Africa compared with 19,300 t in 2023. The company produced about 15,900 t at the Mogalakwena Mine in 2024 compared with 16,800 t in 2023. Implats produced 14,355 t of refined nickel in 2024 compared with 14,149 t in 2023. Of the 14,355 t of refined nickel about 6,200 t was attributable to Implats’ South African PGM-mining operations in 2024 compared with 5,500 t in 2023. The remainder was attributable to the Two Rivers Mine, Implats’s operations in Zimbabwe, recycling, and toll refining. Sibanye-Stillwater produced crude nickel sulfate at its Base Metals Refinery in 2024. Thakadu Group processed Sibanye-Stillwater’s crude nickel sulfate to battery-grade through its nickel sulfate refinery located at the Marikana site. Thakadu’s plant had a capacity of 30,000 t/yr of battery-grade nickel sulfate; the company planned to produce 25,000 t in 2025. (Creamer, Martin, 2022; Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd., 2024a, p. 92, 94, 96, 98, 100, 102, 104; 2024b, p. 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94; 2025, p. 86, 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, 98; Anglo American Platinum Ltd., 2025, p. 34, 40, 42, 44, 48, 50). 

Phosphate Rock.—In 2024, national phosphate rock production was 2.21 Mt compared with 1.74 Mt in 2023. Foskor (Pty.) Ltd. accounted for most of South Africa’s phosphate rock production. Foskor used phosphate rock from its mine at Phalaborwa in the production of phosphoric acid and fertilizers including monoammonium phosphate and diammonium phosphate at its plant in Richards Bay. In its 2024 fiscal year (which started on April 1, 2023, and ended on March 31, 2024), the company produced 1.6 Mt of phosphate rock, 355,000 t of phosphoric acid, and about 281,000 t of phosphate fertilizer compared with about 1.9 Mt, 308,000 t, and 256,000 t, respectively, in fiscal year 2023. Foskor also used sulfur in the production of sulfuric acid; the company produced an estimated 1.1 Mt in fiscal years 2024 and 2023 each (Production table; Foskor (Pty.) Ltd., 2024, p. 3, 97; Bulelwa Satsha, Administrative Officer, Department of Mineral Resources & Energy of the Republic of South Africa, written commun., August 22, 2025).  

In the first quarter of 2024, Kropz plc sold 77,000 t of phosphate concentrate from the Elandsfontein Mine. From April through August 2024, the company produced 132,706 t of phosphate concentrate and sold 112,752 t. In 2023, the sales of phosphate concentrate amounted to 262,703 t. Kropz plc reopened Elandsfontein Mine in 2022, which is located in Western Cape Province and updated its mineral resources estimates in 2024 (Kropz plc, 2024a, p. 10; 2024b, p. 4, 5). 

Platinum-Group Metals.—In 2024, total mined PGMs production was about 257,000 kg compared with 253,000 kg in 2023. Total refined PGMs production was estimated to be about 283,000 kg in 2024 compared with 271,400 kg in 2023. Mine production was limited over the past decade because of factors including power and water shortages, cost inflation, aging mine infrastructure, and a lack of investment in new mines (Production table; Ninji and Mazneva, 2020; Sithole, 2025; Bulelwa Satsha, Administrative Officer, Department of Mineral Resources & Energy of the Republic of South Africa, written commun., August 22, 2025). 

Amplats’s production of refined platinum from own mined volume was 68,944 kg in 2024; refined palladium, 44,957 kg; refined rhodium, 9,356 kg; and refined iridium, ruthenium and other metals (not specified), a total of about 18,140 kg. Amplats’s production of refined platinum was 65,840 kg in 2023; refined palladium, 45,424 kg; refined rhodium, 8,600 kg; and refined iridium, ruthenium and other metals (not specified), a total of about 17,651 kg. Amplats planned to produce a total of between 93,000 and 106,000 kg of refined PGMs in 2025 and 2026 (Anglo American Platinum Ltd., 2025, p. 3, 18, 34, 35)    

About 63,000 kg of PGMs were produced by Amplats’ South African mining operations and joint-venture partners in 2024, down from 77,000 kg in 2023. The decrease was mainly due to the Kroondal joint operation transitioning to a Purchase of Concentrate and toll arrangement after Amplats sold its 50% stake in the venture to Sibanye-Stillwater in late 2023. Platinum accounted for 29,500 kg in 2024; palladium, 23,600 kg; ruthenium, 5,100 kg; rhodium, 3,800 kg; and iridium, 1,300 kg. Platinum accounted for 35,900 kg in 2023; palladium, 27,200 kg; ruthenium, 7,100 kg; rhodium, 5,000 kg; and iridium, 1,700 kg. In 2024, total PGM production at Amplats’ Mogalakwena Mine was 28,034 kg; the Amandelbult Mine, 17,962 kg; the Mototolo Platinum Mine, 8,532 kg; and the Modikwa Platinum Mine (which was a joint venture with ARM), 8,703 kg. Total PGM production decreased at Amandelbult by 8% in 2024; at Mototolo by 4%; and at Mogalakwena and Modikwa by 2% each compared with that in 2023. Amplats and its joint-venture partners also produced about 1,900 kg of gold in 2024 and in 2023 from their PGM-mining operations in South Africa. In 2024, the Mogalakwena Mine accounted for 49% of the companies’ total PGM production and 89% of gold (Anglo American Platinum Ltd., 2025, p. 13, 40, 42, 44, 48, 50). 

Implats produced about 86,000 kg of refined PGMs in 2024 compared with about 84,000 kg in 2023. Refined platinum accounted for about 42,900 kg in 2024; refined palladium, 26,300 kg; refined rhodium, 5,200 kg; and gold, iridium, and ruthenium, a total of about 11,700 kg. The company’s production of refined platinum in 2023 was about 41,900 kg; refined palladium, 25,700 kg; refined rhodium, 5,200 kg; and gold, iridium, and ruthenium, a total of about 11,500 kg. Implats’s South African mining operations accounted for about 40,500 kg of refined PGM production in 2024. The remainder was attributable to the Two Rivers Mine, Implats’s mining operations in Zimbabwe, recycling, and toll refining (Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd., 2024a, p. 92, 94; 2024b, p. 82, 84; 2025, p. 86, 88). 

The Impala Rustenburg Mine operation near Rustenburg in North West Province produced about 40,500 kg of PGMs (including gold) in 2024 compared with 38,300 kg in 2023. Implats’s platinum production was about 21,900 kg in 2024; palladium, 10,200 kg; and rhodium, 2,600 kg. Total gold, iridium, and ruthenium was 5,710 kg in 2024. Implats’s platinum production was about 20,600 kg in 2023; palladium, 9,830 kg; and rhodium, 2,470 kg. Total gold, iridium, and ruthenium was 5,460 kg in 2023. The company planned to produce between 38,090 and 40,400 kg of PGMs (including gold) at Impala Rustenburg in its 2025 fiscal year (which started on July 1, 2024, and would end on June 30, 2025) (Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd., 2024a, p. 92; 2024b, p. 82; 2025, p. 86). 

Platinum output at the Marula Mine was about 2,600 kg in 2024; palladium, 2,500 kg; rhodium, 530 kg; and gold, iridium, and ruthenium, a total of 950 kg. All ore mined at Marula was from the UG2 layer, which was richer in iridium, palladium, rhodium, and ruthenium than the Merensky layer. Implats’s production of palladium was about 2,740 kg in 2023; platinum, 2,700 kg; rhodium, 550 kg; and gold, iridium, and ruthenium, a total of 1,030 kg. The company planned to produce between 7,200 and 7,800 kg of PGMs (including gold) at Marula in its 2025 fiscal year (Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd., 2024a, p. 25, 98; 2024b, p. 88; 2025, p. 92). 

Implats, which completed the purchase of Royal Bafokeng Platinum Ltd. (RBPlat) in 2023, produced PGMs at the Bafokeng Rasimone Platinum Mine and the Styldrift Mine under Impala Bafokeng Platinum (Pty.) Ltd. in 2024. Impala Bafokeng production of PGMs (including gold) was about 15,000 kg in 2024. Platinum production was 8,400 kg in 2024; palladium, 3,600 kg; and rhodium, 923 kg. The company planned to produce between 15,200 and 16,500 kg of PGMs (including gold) in 2025 (Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd., 2024a, p. 25, 96; 2025, p. 90). 

Sibanye-Stillwater produced 28,510 kg of PGMs at the Marikana Mine in 2024 compared with 27,859 kg in 2023. Increased output was partially attributable to higher ore grades. Platinum accounted for 14,919 kg of PGM mine production in 2024; palladium, 6,654 kg; ruthenium, 3,706 kg; rhodium, 2,278 kg; and iridium, 953 kg. Sibanye-Stillwater’s production of platinum at Marikana Mine was 14,554 kg in 2023; palladium, 6,483 kg; ruthenium, 3,592 kg; rhodium, 2,227 kg; and iridium, 1,004 kg. The company also produced 22,025 kg of PGMs at the Rustenburg Mine compared with 23,689 kg in 2023. The company’s production of platinum at Rustenburg was 11,055 kg in 2024; palladium, 5,891 kg; ruthenium, 2,730 kg; rhodium, 1,726 kg; and iridium, 622 kg. Sibanye-Stillwater’s production of platinum was 11,983 kg in 2023; palladium, 6,312 kg; ruthenium, 2,897 kg; rhodium, 1,837 kg; and iridium, 659 kg. Sibanye-Stillwater also produced refined PGMs at its Precious Metals Refinery at Brakpan in 2024. Most of the refinery’s production was attributable to the Marikana Mine; Sibanye-Stillwater also refined PGM concentrates purchased from other companies (Sibanye-Stillwater Ltd., 2026). 

Northam Platinum Ltd. operated the Booysendal, Eland, and Zondereinde Mines; the company sold its production to Heraeus South Africa (Pty.) Ltd. for refining. Heraeus’ production of refined platinum at Port Elizabeth decreased to 16,601 kg in 2024 from 16,688 kg in 2023 and refined palladium, to 8,062 kg from 7,953 kg. Iridium, rhodium, and ruthenium were exported to Germany for refining (table 2; Northam Platinum Ltd., 2024, p. 132; 2025, p. 124). 

Platinum production from the Booysendal, Eland, and Zondereinde Mines was 16,617 kg in 2024; palladium, 8,508 kg; ruthenium, 5,116 kg; rhodium, 2,832 kg; iridium, 1,049 kg; and gold, 320 kg. Northam’s production of platinum was 15,715 kg in 2023; palladium, 7,814 kg; ruthenium, 4,648 kg; rhodium, 2,622 kg; iridium, 962 kg; and gold, 325 kg. Increased PGM output came mainly from higher concentrator recoveries and increased underground ore production at Eland mine after processing-circuit upgrades and higher-grade run-of-mine feed (Northam Platinum Ltd., 2024, p. 132; 2025, p. 124, 172). 

Northam planned to produce between 27,300 and 28,300 kg/yr of PGMs (including gold, but not ruthenium or iridium) by mid-2025, of which Booysendal would account for about 15,500 kg/yr; Zondereinde, nearly 10,300 kg/yr; and Eland, about 2,800 kg/yr. The company reached full capacity at Booysendal in 2024 and planned to reach full capacity at Eland by 2028. Increased production from Zondereinde would be attributable to the Western extension project, which is scheduled for commission by the end of 2025. The estimated remaining life of Eland and Zondereinde was more than 30 years each and Booysendal, more than 25 years (Northam Platinum Ltd., 2024, p. 42, 43, 48, 54; 2025, p. 11, 18, 30, 31, 41). 

Two Rivers Mine produced 9,124 kg of PGMs in 2024 compared with 9,303 kg in 2023. Platinum accounted for about 47% of Two Rivers’ PGM output; palladium, 29%; ruthenium, 12%; rhodium 8%; iridium, 3%; and gold, 1%. The company placed the Two Rivers Merensky project in care-and-maintenance status in the second half of 2024 because of lower-than-expected PGM prices. The estimated remaining life of the Two Rivers Mine was 17 years. In November 2023, ARM, restarted mining operations at its Bokoni Mine located in Sefateng and produced 1,345 kg of PGMs (including gold) in 2024. ARM planned to continue to ramp up production of PGMs at Bokoni in 2025 (African Rainbow Minerals Ltd., 2024a, p. 7, 62, 64, 67, 71, 72; 2024b, p. 15; 2025, p. 13, 15). 

In fiscal year 2024, Tharisa Minerals produced 4,513 kg of PGMs (including gold) compared with 4,501 kg in fiscal year 2023. Platinum accounted for 56.2% of production by volume; palladium, 16.1%; ruthenium, 13.6%; rhodium, 9.5%; and iridium, 4.4%. Increased production was attributable to higher throughput and recovery rates. Tharisa Minerals planned to produce between 4,400 and 5,000 kg in fiscal year 2025 (Tharisa Minerals (Pty.) Ltd., 2024a, p. 14, 32, 33; 2024b, p. 6). 

In late November 2023, Sedibelo Resources Ltd. suspended production until further notice because of increased costs and decreased PGM prices. As of yearend 2024, operations at Pilanesberg remained in care-and-maintenance status. Sedibelo Resources Ltd. sold 2,074 kg of PGMs (including gold, but not ruthenium or iridium) at its Pilanesberg Platinum Mines from January 1 to September 30 in 2023 (Sedibelo Resources Ltd., 2023, p. 5, 10; 2025, p. 11; McKay, 2023).  

Wesizwe Platinum Ltd. announced its plans to commission the Bakubung Mine in North West Province in early June 2023; however, as of yearend 2024, commercial production had not started owing to several factors including cash flow constraints, a cyberattack, a labor dispute, and decreased PGM prices. The company’s original planned capacity of 13,000 kg/yr of PGMs (including gold, but not ruthenium or iridium) was reduced by two-thirds in 2019. Platinum was expected to account for 62.4% of PGM production; palladium, 28%; rhodium, 7.4%; and gold, 2.2% (Engineering & Mining Journal, 2015; Moumakwa, 2019; McKay, 2023; Parker, 2023; CPM Group, 2024, p. 38; Wesizwe Platinum Ltd., 2025, p. 31, 35, 95). 

Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. of Canada was engaged in the construction of a new mine at its Platreef project, which is located in the northern limb of the Bushveld Complex. In 2022, the company completed an updated feasibility study on the new mine. In the first phase of mining, Ivanhoe planned to produce nearly 2,300 t/yr of nickel, 1,400 t/yr of copper, and 3,500 kg/yr of PGMs (including gold, but not ruthenium or iridium). In the second phase, production would increase to more than 18,000 kg/yr of PGMs, 12,000 t/yr of nickel, and 7,300 t/yr of copper. Construction of the concentrator for the first phase was completed in 2024 and system startup and testing commenced in July 2024. The first phase of mining was expected to begin in late 2025 and the second phase, in 2027 (Barradas, 2023; Ivanhoe Mines Ltd., 2026).  

Platinum Group Metals Ltd. of Canada continued with its plans to develop a new mine at its Waterberg project, located in the Northern Limb of the Bushveld Complex. As of yearend 2024, construction had not started. The company published an updated feasibility study in September 2024. Waterberg had a designed capacity a of about 11,000 kg/yr of PGMs (including gold, but not ruthenium or iridium) once fully operational, and proven and probable reserves of about 728,000 kg of PGMs (including gold, but not ruthenium or iridium). Palladium accounted for 63.6% in the updated feasibility study; platinum, 28.7%; gold, 6.2%; and rhodium, 1.5%. Mine life was estimated at 54 years (Platinum Group Metals Ltd., 2026, p. 2, 4, 13, 22, 25–27). 

Talc and Pyrophyllite.—In 2024, national production of pyrophyllite was 390,145 t compared with 319,775 t in 2023. Idwala Industrial Holdings (Pty.) Ltd., Sino Rock (Pty.) Ltd., and Wonderstone Ltd. mined pyrophyllite in North West Province. Idwala operated a milling plant in Benoni that processed pyrophyllite from the company’s mine at Witpoort for use in manufacturing paint. Increased production was attributable to factors including higher export sales and the opening of Sino Rock’s new mine (Facilities table; Maredi, 2025a; Bulelwa Satsha, Administrative Officer, Department of Mineral Resources & Energy of the Republic of South Africa, written commun., August 22, 2025). 

Titanium and Zirconium.—South Africa is a major producer of titanium and zirconium ores, but it imported most of its downstream processed products. Richards Bay Minerals (Pty.) Ltd. (RBM) of the United Kingdom produced ilmenite, rutile, and zircon at the Zulti North deposits in KwaZulu Natal Province; ilmenite was processed to titanium slag. Yearend production data for RBM, including titanium slag output, was not readily available in public sources. 

Tronox Holdings plc of the United States and incorporated in the United Kingdom produced ilmenite, rutile, and zircon at the KZN Sands and the Namakwa Sands Mines; ilmenite was processed to titanium slag. Production of ilmenite at Namakwa Sands decreased to 521,186 t in 2024 from 532,538 t in 2023; zircon, to 83,335 t from 89,803 t; and rutile, to 26,772 t from 27,929 t. Production of ilmenite at KZN Sands was 420,048 t in 2024 compared with 318,771 t in 2023; zircon, 37,943 t compared with 30,974 t; and rutile, 22,686 t compared with 18,427 t (Facilities table; Tronox Holdings plc, 2025, p. 31). 

MCL of Australia operated the Tormin Mine in Western Cape Province. The company produced 18,682 t of ilmenite, 2,919 t of zircon, and 654 t of rutile in 2024 compared with 67,785 t of ilmenite, 7,987 t of zircon, and 1,848 t of rutile in 2023. The company only operated during the first half of 2024, after a storm and an oil spill from a compromised vessel rendered the mining facilities, water resources, and associated infrastructure unviable for mineral production (Facilities table; Mineral Commodities Ltd., 2024 p. 6; 2025, p. 2, 6, 26). 

In 2024, Nyanza Light Metals Ltd. (Arkein Group of Companies, 70%) continued advancing its TiO₂ pigment plant project in the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone. Bulk earthworks—including levelling, geotechnical surveys, and piling—commenced in late 2024 and are expected to continue into mid-2025. Engineering, procurement, and construction work has been awarded to East China Engineering Science and Technology Company. The main plant, designed for 80,000-t/yr capacity, was scheduled to begin production in 2027, pending successful financing and commissioning. The project would process regionally sourced ilmenite from Mozambique or South Africa and may also utilize titanium-rich waste from previous local iron ore and vanadium mining operations (Africa Finance Corp., 2022, Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone, 2023; Barradas, 2024; Creamer, 2024). 

Vanadium.—Glencore produced vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) and ferrovanadium at the Rhovan Mine and smelter in Brits. In 2024, the production of V₂O₅ at Rhovan decreased to about 8,300 t from 8,800 t in 2023. The estimated remaining life of the Rhovan Mine was 7 years based on reserves at yearend (Glencore plc, 2025a, p. 5; 2025b, p. 26). 

Bushveld Minerals Ltd. of the United Kingdom, through its subsidiary Vametco Minerals Corp., produced ferrovanadium, vanadium chemicals, and vanadium pentoxide at the Vametco Mine and Brits plant and the Vanchem operations. In the first 9 months of 2024, the company produced 2,549 t of contained vanadium at Vametco and Vanchem. In October 2024, Bushveld signed the final agreements for the sale of its Vanchem vanadium-processing plant to Southern Point Resources Fund I S.A. LP (SPR), following confirmation that all conditions precedent had been met. In November 2024, Bushveld and its South African subsidiaries entered business rescue proceedings. Bushveld entered business rescue owing to low vanadium prices, debts, cash-flow shortages, and aging equipment that made operations unsustainable. The company produced 3,714 t of contained vanadium in 2023 at Vametco and Vanchem (Facilities table; Matuson & Associates, 2025; Bushveld Minerals Ltd., 2024a; 2024b, p. 9, 15). 

Vanadium Resources Ltd. of Australia completed a feasibility study on a new mine at the Steelpoortdrift project in Limpopo Province in October 2022. Planned production in the study was about 19,000 t/yr of V₂O₅ during an estimated mine life of 25 years. Depending on the results of a final investment decision, production could start by the second half of 2026 (Vanadium Resources Ltd., 2024, p. 12, 13, 18, 23). 

Vermiculite.—In 2024, Palabora Mining’s production at the Palabora Mine was 163,241 t compared with 169,797 t in 2023. Vermiculite export sales decreased to 71,700 t in 2024 compared to 122,400 t in 2023. The decrease was attributable to rising operational costs driven by logistical bottlenecks, operational challenges, persistent electricity shortages and escalating power costs. Palabora Mining started an upgrade to its rail infrastructure in 2021 to increase efficiency at its vermiculite loading facilities; the upgrade was completed in September 2022. As of 2023, the estimated remaining life of the vermiculite operations was 13 years (Letaba Herald, 2022; Modiselle, 2023; Palabora Mining Co., undated, p. 5; Bulelwa Satsha, Administrative Officer, Department of Mineral Resources & Energy of the Republic of South Africa, written commun., August 22, 2025; Muravha, 2025b, p. 38, 39). 

• Bushveld Minerals Ltd., 2024b, Year-end December 2023 annual report & financial results: Johannesburg, South Africa, Bushveld Minerals Ltd., June 24, 112 p. (Accessed January 17, 2025, at https://www.bushveldminerals.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Bushveld-Mi….) 

• CPM Group, 2024, CPM platinum group metals yearbook 2024: New York, New York, CPM Group, 231 p. 

• Creamer, Martin, 2010, From open hand to clenched fist: Mining Weekly, v. 16, no. 37, September 24–30, p. 10–11. 

• Creamer, Martin, 2022, Sibanye-Stillwater highlights battery grade nickel sulphate fetching price premium: Mining Weekly [Johannesburg, South Africa], April 1. (Accessed January 30, 2024, at https://www.miningweekly.com/article/sibanye-stillwater-highlights-batt….) 

• Creamer, Martin, 2024, \$860m ilmenite beneficiation project enters bulk earthworks phase at Richards Bay IDZ: Mining Weekly [Johannesburg, South Africa], October 8. (Accessed March 30, 2026, at https://www.miningweekly.com/article/860m-ilmenite-beneficiation-projec….) 

• Department of Government Communication and Information System, 2023, South Africa Yearbook 2023/24: Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Government Communication and Information System, 9 p. (Accessed March 30, 2026, at https://www.gcis.gov.za/sites/default/files/docs/gcis/pdf/yearbook2023-….) 

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• Eastern Platinum Ltd., 2025, Eastern Platinum Limited reports annual results for 2024 and provides its targets for 2025: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Eastern Platinum Ltd., March 28. (Accessed March 24, 2026, at https://www.eastplats.com/investors/2025/annual-results-2024-targets-20….) 

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• Eramet SA, 2025, 2024 universal registration document: Paris, France, Eramet SA, April 3, 612 p. (Accessed January 28, 2026, at https://www.eramet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2025-04-23-Eramet-URD….)  

• Ewing, S.M., 2026, Titanium mineral concentrates: U.S. Geological Survey Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, p. 198–199. 

• Flanagan, D.M., 2026a, Selenium: U.S. Geological Survey Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, p. 168–169. 

• Flanagan, D.M., 2026b, Tellurium: U.S. Geological Survey Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, p. 188–189. 

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