By Ayomide Otitoju
South Africa’s Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe is set to speak at the G20 African Energy Investment Forum in Johannesburg on November 21, an event hosted by the African Energy Chamber (AEC). His participation comes as the country pushes forward an ambitious slate of mining, oil, gas, and infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening energy security and attracting global investment.
South Africa is preparing for a major milestone in November 2025, when President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to inaugurate the Platreef Mine in Limpopo. The multibillion-dollar project, which will produce platinum group metals, nickel, copper, and gold, marks a significant foreign direct investment boost and is expected to reinforce local supply chains. It also supports community development initiatives, including the commissioning of the Masodi Wastewater Treatment Works.
In the coal sector, Liberty Coal has entered a new operational phase at Optimum Colliery, transitioning mining activities to Liberty Mine Services. The move follows substantial capital injections and workforce stabilization efforts. Mining giant Sibanye Stillwater has also reported one of the strongest equity performances of the year, surging 250 percent as a result of asset optimization, debt reduction, and improved investor sentiment.
South Africa is simultaneously expanding its downstream capacity. The state-owned Central Energy Fund is advancing plans to increase output at the SAPREF refinery to between 400,000 and 600,000 barrels per day. The expansion forms part of a broader strategy combining hydrocarbons, solar energy, and gas-to-power initiatives totaling about 4 GW. Officials say the integrated approach is central to a “just energy transition” that positions oil, gas, and renewables as complementary pillars of future energy and industrial growth.
Upstream activity in the Orange Basin is also gathering pace. Shell is preparing a multi-well deepwater drilling program after receiving regulatory approval, while TotalEnergies is planning a two-well wildcat campaign beginning in 2026. Recent investment has reshaped the country’s exploration landscape, with Eco (Atlantic) acquiring a 75 percent stake in Block 1 and global majors expanding their presence across Blocks 3B/4B and 11B/12B.
These developments are supported by new regulatory frameworks, including the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act and the Gas Master Plan, which aim to enhance policy certainty and lower investment risk across the energy value chain.
“Through targeted regulation, South Africa is significantly improving the business climate for international companies,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “With progress across mining, hydrocarbons, and gas-to-power, the country is creating a robust platform for investment and high-value project delivery.”
Mantashe’s presence at the G20 African Energy Investment Forum is expected to highlight South Africa’s sector-wide progress and align national priorities with broader continental investment opportunities. The Forum will convene global financiers, operators, policymakers, and service providers to fast-track partnerships and advance resource and energy projects that support Africa’s industrial and economic development goals.
