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South Africa's Exploration Spending Plummets, Urgent Reforms Needed

3/15/2026

34 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Exploration spending declined for seventh consecutive year, dropping 5.3% in 2025 to 738 million rand.
Exploration investment has fallen more than 85% over three decades.
The Minerals Council South Africa warns the decline threatens the industry's project pipeline.
The government is urged to offer tax incentives and transparency in mining rights.
A strategy aims to raise South Africa's global exploration spending share from under 1% to 5%.

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Story summary

Exploration spending declined for seventh consecutive year, dropping 5.3% in 2025 to 738 million rand.
Exploration investment has fallen more than 85% over three decades.
The Minerals Council South Africa warns the decline threatens the industry's project pipeline.
The government is urged to offer tax incentives and transparency in mining rights.
A strategy aims to raise South Africa's global exploration spending share from under 1% to 5%.