The United Kingdom and the Republic of South Africa announced plans to collaborate on the exploration, development and processing of minerals for the future clean energy technologies and the energy transition.

In a press release, the countries said they will work to deepen their minerals mining and energy collaborations, including through a regular Ministerial and Technical dialogues between the Department for Mineral Resources and Energy (RSA) and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (UK).

“South Africa is a leading producer of minerals including platinum, palladium and iridium for hydrogen production and vanadium and manganese for battery storage. Cooperation will help to support investment into exploration, production and beneficiation activities, securing and expanding access to minerals that are key for clean industrial and economic development and the global clean energy transition,” the press release said. “Central to this is promoting the responsible extraction of minerals and ensuring the sustainability of the mining industry and supply chains through financing, high environmental, social and governance standards, health and safety, and a building a highly skilled workforce.”

The joint work will focus on clean energy technologies but will not be limited to battery storage, fuel cell technologies, energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.

“This joint working aims to create an enabling environment for promoting participation of private sector companies, support investment flows into the minerals mining sector and grow new clean jobs, noting that the UK is a leading center of mining finance, standards, and metals trading,” the nations said.

Both countries will encourage and support partnerships between UK and South African companies across the value chain for minerals and clean energy to grow and strengthen business links to the benefit of both economies.

Working together to pursue this agenda both countries will encourage visits by policy makers and technical experts responsible for the development and implementation of national policies, regulations, projects and programs.

Photo credit: Anglo American Platinum.