en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Council for Geoscience (CGS) of South Africa and the Geological Survey of the Netherlands (TNO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance integrated geoscience mapping, critical raw materials research, and related policy development. The MoU was signed on July 7-8 during the launch of the South Africa-European Union Country Window in Tzaneen, Limpopo Province.
Dr. Taufeeq Dhansay, Executive Manager for Integrated Geoscience Development at CGS, told Mining Weekly that the collaboration is expected to strengthen integrated geoscience mapping, enhance understanding of South Africa's critical mineral potential, and promote policies that prioritize value addition through processing rather than raw material exports.
Dhansay noted that the growing global demand for critical raw materials, driven by the electric vehicle manufacturing industry, coupled with shifting geopolitical priorities, has increased the importance of securing reliable mineral supply chains. The European Union has specific needs for critical raw materials, including metals and materials for electric vehicles, with its economy built on the development of critical raw materials and the production of various manufactured goods for industries such as automotive. As geopolitical agendas change, countries are competing to ensure stable supplies of critical raw materials.
Against this backdrop, Dhansay emphasized that South Africa holds significant untapped mineral resource potential but has not yet fully realized it, as high-resolution integrated geoscience mapping has not been completed nationwide. He added that South Africa has launched an integrated geoscience mapping program, with national mapping progress reaching 20% as of last year, revealing a substantial undeveloped resource base within the country.
Dhansay also stated that the European Union views South Africa as a key destination for critical raw materials, making the collaboration between CGS and TNO particularly crucial. However, South Africa's goal is not simply to export raw materials but to expand beneficiation and downstream manufacturing by adding value to mineral resources before export. This partnership aims to align South Africa's development priorities with those of its international partners while supporting industrial development and job creation.
Dhansay stressed that this agreement is based on collaboration, rather than one party training the other. CGS and TNO will benchmark their respective scientific methods against each other, jointly improving geological mapping techniques, modeling capabilities, and broader geoscience projects. Priority areas include integrated geological, geophysical, and geochemical mapping, policy development for carbon dioxide emissions, and the governance and supply chains of critical raw materials.
Limpopo Province was selected as the geological site for field investigations due to its strong geological potential combined with a development strategy that supports investment in geoscience, environmental management, and mineral development. Dhansay believes that Limpopo Province is rich in natural resources, and the application of geoscience and the supply of critical raw materials are well-suited to the province's socio-economic development needs. As part of the broader South Africa-European Union partnership, discussions between CGS and TNO have been ongoing for approximately two years. Following the signing of the MoU, the two organizations will immediately proceed with joint work on geological data collection, processing, and interpretation to identify future investment opportunities and support policies that promote critical mineral development and value-added processing.
