Sara Turnbull, senior exploration geologist for SRK Exploration, takes us on an excursion into the realities of, and the need for, exploration and discovery of critical minerals in South Africa.
Sara Turnbull’s reputation precedes her in the field of geology in Africa. As a senior exploration geologist for SRK Exploration with over 10 years of field experience in exploration and mining, and widespread regional and international exposure to different geological terranes and commodities, Turnbull says, “Investing in new mines equates to investing in the future.” Critical minerals like graphite, lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper and uranium – among many others – are key in the global drive towards combatting climate change, which is essential for the future of an evermore populous world; but more directly, these minerals are key to the continuation of the South African mining industry.
“There is currently a shortage of new, undeveloped deposits to feed the drive for critical minerals and low carbon technologies,” says Turnbull. According to statistics released by the International Energy Agency (IEA), Global investment in the development of critical minerals increased by 20% in 2021 and 30% in 2022. Despite this, it is predicted there will still be a deficit in the future, she explains. It is vital for industry, governments and other stakeholders in South Africa to strategise collaboratively to encourage investment in exploration. The country’s rich mineral endowment is one of its greatest assets and includes many commodities not previously at the centre of the South African mining industry.
Read the full article on African Mining.
