Editor’s take: 2026 – Are you ready to fire on all cylinders?
Having struggled through 2025, are you ready for the Year of the Fire Horse, which, according to the Chinese astrology, is expected to bring sweeping changes, rapid developments, and a strong push for liberation, innovation, and self-expression. In 2026, South Africans can expect potential economic and personal growth opportunities, driven by a cautiously improving economy, the potential for a stronger Rand after exiting the Financial Action Task Force Grey List, and interest rate cuts.
While the IMF pegs South Africa’s economic growth rate at 1.2% year-on-year, for 2026, Investec is more upbeat forecasting a growth rate of 1.5% year-on-year. Moody's is even more positive, forecasting growth to double to 1.6%, driven by ongoing structural reforms, particularly in logistics.
MQA marks 30 years of empowering South Africa’s mining workforce
The year 2026 marks a significant milestone for the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA), the statutory body responsible for driving skills development and training in South Africa’s mining and minerals sector. As it celebrates its 30th anniversary, the MQA reflects on three decades of progress in building a skilled, inclusive and adaptable workforce that continues to power one of the country’s most vital industries. With mining contributing 7% to South Africa’s GDP, the sector remains a cornerstone of the national economy — and the MQA’s work is central to sustaining its competitiveness, innovation and transformation.
The growing strategic importance of antimony: How emerging projects could secure Western supply
Antimony plays a key role in many industries that drive modern economies, ranging from defence and technology to renewable energy and aerospace. As the world increasingly seeks stable and secure mineral supply chains, the growth of these industries means antimony’s strategic importance is only increasing. This is largely driven by geopolitical tensions, supply chain vulnerabilities, and the rising demand for high-tech materials. As nations work to strengthen critical mineral independence, several new Western projects are emerging to diversify global supply, including Australia’s Hillgrove Project, developed by ASX-listed Larvotto Resources.
Kabanga Nickel heads towards final investment decision in 2026
The Kabanga Nickel project, located in north-west Tanzania’s Kagera Region - near the Burundi border - is one of the world’s largest and highest-grade undeveloped nickel sulphide deposits. The deposit lies within the East African Nickel Belt, and contains significant nickel, copper, and cobalt mineralisation. Following the filing of its Feasibility Study, the project is transitioning from the exploration stage to the developmental financing and site preparation phases.
Omitiomire Copper Project aims for full production by 2028
With a unique-to-Africa chloride heap leaching process, the Omitiomire copper mine will support the just energy transition, while adding significantly to the Namibian economy.
The Omitiomire Copper Project in central Namibia, currently being developed by Greenstone Resources, with Omico Mining Corp, is a fully de-risked, open-pit copper mine, designed to produce 25 000-30 000 tonnes of high-purity copper cathode annually for approximately 15 years, using a chloride heap leach process and solvent-extraction and electrowinning (SX/EW).
Venetia adapts to survive and soar
To adapt to challenging market circumstances, leading diamond producer, De Beers Group, has taken substantial steps to optimise its operations, notably by adjusting the development sequence of its flagship diamond mine, Venetia, which is transitioning from open pit to underground mining.
“Challenging times require that we step up and work differently,” Venetia mine's Senior General Manager, Ntokozo Ngema, tells a media delegation on a recent site visit.
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