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Foreign Secretary of Great Britain James Cleverly announced this week that the UK and South Africa are establishing a new Minerals Partnership for Future Clean Energy Technologies to promote responsible mineral exploration, production and processing in South Africa and South Africa.
Countries in the southern African region are among the world’s leading producers of vital minerals used in clean technology, including platinum group metals and iridium for hydrogen production and vanadium and manganese for battery storage.
The partnership will leverage the UK’s expertise as home to leading global mining houses and as a hub for metals financial services to drive sustainable and responsible production, Cleverley said.
“The UK and South Africa are working together to deliver results for British people and the people of South Africa by creating jobs, improving trade and investment and driving inclusive economic growth,” he noted during the South African president’s state visit Cyril Ramaphosa in the UK.
UK PM Rishi Sunakmeanwhile, he commented that the next phase of the UK-South Africa infrastructure partnership will support South Africa’s economic growth through major infrastructure developments and offer UK companies greater access to projects worth up to £5.37 billion over the next three years.
The UK Government will also confirm new grant-funded technical assistance to South Africa to unlock green hydrogen opportunities and improve skills in this key sector.
“South Africa is already the UK’s largest trading partner on the continent and we have ambitious plans to drive infrastructure investment and economic growth together. The new education and skills partnership between the UK and South African governments will also promote shared learning in technical and vocational education, boosting youth employment,” Sunak said.
The UK funding will build much-needed technical and entrepreneurial skills in the highest growth sectors, including green technology and electric vehicle manufacturing, ensuring South Africa’s youth benefit from the green transition, he added.
As an example of the opportunities available to UK businesses, Globelek is about to complete six solar projects, with construction expected to start in South Africa next year.
“We are entering a new era in our dynamic trade relationship with South Africa, with exciting collaborations on infrastructure, clean technology and renewable energy.”
“These new opportunities will unlock trade and investment for businesses from the Eastern Cape to East Anglia and drive growth, create new jobs and future-proof our economies against a changing world,” added the UK’s trade secretary. Kemi Badenoch.
Meanwhile, battery materials insight provider Fastmarkets battery metals expert NewGen Jordan Roberts questioned whether the UK should not prefer to partner with other mining jurisdictions on battery materials.
He pointed out that South Africa produces 60% of the total manganese in the world, as well as 75% of platinum and 40% of palladium.
“It also currently produces or has the potential to produce vanadium, nickel, cobalt and rare earths, all critical or vital minerals.”
“The country could also be a leader in solar energy, with large businesses, mines and many farmers long ago installing solar panels and other devices to ensure they have electricity and reduce their reliance on state-owned energy company Eskom, which imposes cutbacks.” workload. .
“Despite this vast mineral endowment, many believe South Africa’s economy faces major long-term challenges, amid concerns about its sovereign debt, political corruption and the loss of highly skilled workers.” Industry watchers would see collaboration with Canada and Australia on battery materials as more attractive, especially given their superior environmental, social and governance prospects.”
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