Ramaphosa opens Platreef Mine in Limpopo, calls for beneficiation of SA's minerals

President Cyril Ramaphosa has doubled down on calls for beneficiation amid efforts to capitalise on Africa's minerals.

Ramaphosa made the comments at the opening of the Platreef Mine in Mokopane, Limpopo, making it the world's largest undeveloped precious metals project.

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The Presidency has described the landmark opening as a significant B20 success story, showcasing tangible foreign direct investment and industrial advancement.

Ramaphosa said that the start of production at the mine was an important moment for the company, mining industry and the country.

"I’d like to see the concentrate that is being developed here, as is platinum, palladium, copper and nickel, also being beneficiated here, so that this area should become an area of real progress."

He said there needed to be a move away from the pit-to-port practice, where the country produces raw materials at low prices that are set on global markets, adding little value to its own economy.

"We should not end up being an area where we mine rock, dust and soil and then cut it off to locals in many places in the world."