Phase Two of the South African Circular Minerals and Metals Initiative awarded to North-West University’s Centre for Sustainable Mining
Published 20 February 2026
The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) has announced the award of Phase Two of the South African Circular Minerals and Metals Initiative to North-West University’s Centre for Sustainable Mining.
South Africa is richly endowed with mineral resources, and the mining sector plays a vital role in the country’s economy, by supplying minerals and metals into the domestic market and the global economy. However, as a major consumer of energy, water and chemicals, the sector is resource- and carbon-intensive and faces increasing constraints. In recent years, the circular economy has gained significant traction among business and government as a means of managing resources more sustainably, reducing costs and improving global competitiveness.
The South African government recognises the potential of the circular economy to address growing resource challenges, meet national climate and sustainability commitments and create new socio-economic opportunities, by transforming existing sectors and unlocking new circular businesses and business models.
The Circular Economy Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Strategy, launched in 2024, recognises the mining sector as one of three priority sectors with significant potential to adopt and scale circular practices, thereby supporting the DSTI’s vision to modernise the sector. The strategy highlights three priority areas in circular minerals and metals: resource security, resource efficiency and diversification of sources.
“As an extractive-based industry, the mining sector has often been excluded from circular economy discussions,” notes Prof. Linda Godfrey, Manager of Circular Innovation South Africa and custodian of the circular initiative programme. “However, with growing pressure on – and interest in – South Africa’s mineral resources, the circular economy provides considerable opportunities for the mining sector to manage risk and diversify sources of minerals and metals. It also provides a framework within which to address increasing tensions around critical minerals,” she explains.
Phase One of the initiative, led by the Mandela Mining Precinct, focused on understanding the current landscape and establishing the foundation for developing a circular minerals and metals STI sub-strategy to guide the National System of Innovation (NSI) and the mining sector’s investment in circular economy STI. Phase Two aims to consolidate this sub-strategy and strengthen collaboration and partnerships across the NSI, as well as between the NSI and the private sector. The intention is to use STI to assist the private sector in adopting, de-risking and scaling circular interventions, delivering tangible benefits to the local mining industry.
“The Centre for Sustainable Mining at North-West University was the right choice for this next phase,” explains Dr Mmboneni Muofhe, Deputy Director-General for Socio-Economic Innovation Partnership at the DSTI. Established in 2024, the centre is committed to responsible and environmentally conscious mining through impactful education, research and partnerships. “This includes equipping the next generation of engineers and practitioners with future-focused mining education through relevant sustainability and sustainable mining degrees, diplomas and short courses,” adds Dr Sihe Nhleko, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Mining – a focus that aligns closely with North-West University’s strategy, “2024 and Beyond”.
Speaking at the official launch of the initiative in Potchefstroom on 6 February 2026, Dr Nhleko noted “We look forward to working closely with the South African mining sector to better understand the business case and technology solutions required to transition towards more circular practices”.
ENDS
Issued by the CSIR and North-West University
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