President Ramaphosa Hails Platreef Mine as a Pillar of South Africa’s Green Industrial Future

Mokopane, Limpopo — 18 November 2025 – President Cyril Ramaphosa today presided over the official commencement of production at the Ivanplats Platreef Mine in Mogalakwena, describing the milestone as a powerful symbol of South Africa’s economic recovery, mining resurgence, and commitment to a sustainable, green industrial future.

Speaking before government leaders, industry executives, community representatives, and traditional authorities, President Ramaphosa celebrated the moment as the culmination of nearly three decades of geological exploration, perseverance, and partnership.

“The commencement of production at Platreef is the culmination of a long journey,” he said. “Having finally reached the production phase is testament to decades of hard work, resilience and persistence. This is an important moment for the company, for the mining industry and for the country.”

The President highlighted the strategic significance of the mine at a time when South Africa is positioning itself as a global player in the critical minerals market, especially those driving the energy transition.

“Platinum Group Metals are strategic enablers in the critical minerals transition,” he noted. “We see the Platreef mine as being integral to the success of our new Critical Minerals Strategy.”

Championing Sustainability in Mining

President Ramaphosa commended Ivanplats for integrating sustainability into core operations, emphasizing that South Africa’s stressed water resources demand responsible and innovative management.

“We welcome efforts to adopt technologies and systems to manage water, mine waste and environmental impacts,” he said, applauding Ivanplats for revitalising water infrastructure in host communities under its Social and Labour Plan.

The President also praised the mine’s commitment to renewable energy, notably its 5MW solar farm, which began powering operations earlier this year.

“The Platreef mine is leading the way on energy sustainability,” he said. “It is examples like these that reinforce our assertion that mining remains a sunrise industry.”

Economic Confidence and Industry Growth

Citing recent data from Statistics South Africa, President Ramaphosa noted a 1.2% increase in total mining production and R614 billion in mineral sales between January and September 2025, figures that suggest resilience amid global economic headwinds.

“The opening of mines like Platreef gives us confidence that the mining industry will continue to grow,” he said.

Community Participation and Transformation

A central theme of the President’s address was community involvement, ownership, and local economic development.

He welcomed the inclusion of 20 host communities in the mine’s 20% BBBEE shareholding structure, as well as a 3% worker trust for non-managerial employees.

“These initiatives are vital in transforming a highly racialised economy,” the President noted. “Worker ownership schemes in the mining sector are to be welcomed, particularly given its troubled history.”

The President further highlighted that 85% of the mine’s workforce comes from surrounding communities, calling on residents to safeguard the mine and on Ivanplats to continue prioritising local hiring, procurement, and enterprise development.

“Hire from this community, procure from this community, and leave a sustainable legacy for this community,” he urged.

He also underscored the importance of upskilling in an era of increased mechanisation, commending the Ivanplats Centre for Excellence for its advanced training efforts.

A Milestone Ahead of the G20 Summit

With South Africa preparing to host the historic first G20 Leaders’ Summit on African soil this week, President Ramaphosa said the opening of Platreef stands as “a proud testament to South Africa’s steady economic recovery.”

“Your journey to this opening is an example of sustainability in action,” he told stakeholders. “It gives us a glimpse of the bright future of South Africa’s mining industry.”

A Future Built on Partnership

As the ceremony concluded, President Ramaphosa congratulated all those who contributed to bringing the Platreef Mine into production, reaffirming government’s commitment to supporting responsible, transformative, and globally competitive mining.

“Well done to everyone involved in achieving this great milestone,” he said. “We wish you well in your quest for Platreef to become the world’s largest PGM mine.”

The commencement of production at Platreef marks not only a triumph for the mining sector, but also a renewed sense of promise for communities and the nation’s broader development agenda.