How to restore mining’s contribution to SA economy – IRR

South Africa’s mining sector remains central to the economy but is operating far below its potential.

Mining’s share of GDP has fallen from 21% in 1980 to around 7% today. As a result, the industry has lost roughly 55,000 jobs between 2008 and 2025. Investors have increasingly directed capital to jurisdictions seen as more secure and predictable, and exploration spending has weakened from R6.3 billion in 2006 to about R738 million in 2025.

The Institute of Race Relations (IRR) argues that this decline is closely linked to South Africa’s mining law framework, including state custodianship of mineral rights, BEE ownership requirements, licensing delays and wide bureaucratic discretion. These features weaken property rights, raise the cost of doing business and increase the risk that mining rights decisions are shaped by politics, patronage or corruption.

The IRR believes these impediments can be overcome, and has crafted a draft Growth and Employment in Mining (GEM) Bill to show how this could be achieved. In a webinar next week webinar, IRR Head of Policy Research Dr Anthea Jeffery will join IRR Projects and Publications Manager Terence Corrigan in discussing the details.

Dr Jeffery will set out how the IRR’s proposal places technical capacity, financial resources, safety compliance, environmental obligations and land rehabilitation at the centre of mining rights decisions.

Webinar details

Date: Thursday, 25 June 2026

Time: 10h00

Speakers:

Dr Anthea Jeffery, Head of Policy Research

Terence Corrigan, Project and PUBS Manager

Platform: https://streamyard.com/watch/Q3vnweZtFZPK

Media contact: Terence Corrigan IRR projects and publications manager Tel: 066 470 4456 Email: terence@irr.org.za  

Media enquiries: Michael Morris Tel: 066 302 1968 Email: michael@irr.org.za