Unveiled during a high-level stakeholder symposium held in Sandton yesterday under the theme “Harnessing Critical Minerals for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development”, the G20 Critical Minerals Framework sets out a collective vision to strengthen international cooperation on critical minerals governance.

The symposium served as a platform to present the framework’s vision, guiding principles, and six strategic pillars for implementation. These include efforts to improve exploration, enhance governance and ESG standards, unlock investment for value chain development, diversify supply chains, foster innovation and recycling, and promote skills transfer and knowledge sharing.

Quotes from the event

Frans Baleni, Chairman of Mining Indaba Executive Advisory Board:

“Mining Indaba’s theme for its 2026 event is ‘Stronger together: Progress through partnerships.’ This theme perfectly encapsulates the spirit of collaboration we are fostering.”

“For three decades, the Mining Indaba has served as a vital platform. We have consistently emphasised the need for a robust, sustainable, and inclusive mining future for Africa. Today, as we focus on critical minerals, this mission becomes even more urgent and impactful.”

"Disruption eventually comes to every organisation in every industry, but before it becomes a threat, it's also an opportunity. The surge in demand for critical minerals is a disruption, yes, but it is an immense opportunity for economic growth, technological innovation, and shared prosperity.”

Gwede Mantashe, Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources:

“Resource-rich countries face a predicament where they not only export minerals in their raw form, but they equally export the jobs and profits that ought to accrue to them, consequently perpetuating poverty and inequality.”

“Given our position as G20 members responsible for the majority of global GDP, trade, and industrial output, we are uniquely positioned to foster an inclusive and sustainable critical minerals ecosystem.”