JUNIOR MINING
Revitalising the junior and emerging miners sector is essential for the country A research report into South Africa’s junior and emerging mining sector demonstrates the growing importance of smaller companies but that the sector is severely hamstrung and unable to deliver to its full potential.
T he external study commissioned by the Minerals Council South Africa and entitled The Extent, Nature And Economic Impact Of The Junior And Emerging Mining Sector In South Africa
efforts to accelerate economic growth beyond population growth and inflation rates,” it states. The report, which clearly defines what constitutes small-scale, medium- and large- scale miners, says that about 77% of mining licences and permits are granted
In 2025 - An Update From The 2019 Report highlights the importance of the sector in terms of jobs, taxes and the future sustainability of the local mining industry, but it notes that there are constraints on exploration activities, mine development and operating mines. “This research demonstrates that a robust and well-supported junior mining sector is essential for creating an additional 50 000 direct mining jobs and 350 000 secondary jobs supporting the mining industry in South Africa over the next decade and beyond,” the report notes. “Furthermore, it will significantly increase
to junior mining companies and the balance to majors, but that the junior sector generates just 11% of total mining revenue. Junior and emerging mining companies contributed R122.8 billion or 11% in revenue out of the total mining industry revenue
Junior and emerging mining companies contributed
R122.8 billion or 11% in revenue out of the total mining industry revenue of R1.083 trillion for the period January to December 2024.
of R1.083 trillion for the period January to December 2024. The sub-sector provided jobs to 58,496 people directly in 2024 and potentially generated 409,472 more jobs in the South African economy when applying a job multiplier
of seven. “Herein lies the strategic opportunity for the country, and government must focus its efforts on supporting and growing junior and emerging miners to become the majors of the future.”
tax revenues for the Government, providing funds for the maintenance and expansion of national infrastructure. Junior mining can, and should, play a vital role in aiding government
18 MODERN MINING www.modernminingmagazine.co.za | JUNE 2026
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