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The European Union (EU) and South Africa have announced a new agreement to strengthen cooperation on the exploration, extraction and processing of minerals and metals, aiming to secure vital resources needed for the green energy transition.
The deal was signed in Johannesburg on Thursday as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa ahead of the G20 summit.
Brussels has been working urgently to secure access to critical minerals and rare earth elements, which are essential components for technologies such as batteries and are central to Europe’s shift towards clean energy.
Von der Leyen said both regions need these raw materials to drive their green transitions, stressing their importance during a press conference.
The agreement comes as both the EU and South Africa navigate strained relations with the United States, which has imposed tariffs and publicly criticised Pretoria.
President Donald Trump has accused South Africa of persecuting white farmers — claims repeatedly dismissed by the South African government.
According to the EU’s statement, the partnership aims to identify and jointly develop industrial projects spanning mineral exploration, extraction, refining and recycling.
Ramaphosa hailed the agreement as “unprecedented,” noting that it would ensure more value is created within South Africa by keeping processing activities in the country.
South Africa possesses significant mineral wealth, holding more than 75 per cent of the world’s platinum group metal reserves, the largest manganese deposits, and ranking among the top global producers of chromium, according to figures from the US Geological Survey.
EU industry chief Stephane Séjourné said Europe must secure and diversify its supply of critical raw materials in the face of rising geopolitical uncertainty.
The EU is seeking to reduce its reliance on Chinese rare earths, particularly after Beijing announced further restrictions on the export of minerals essential to key industries.
The new partnership is expected to form the basis for long-term cooperation as both regions push forward with their clean energy ambitions.
