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Junior and Emerging Miners’ Desk (JEMD) webinar
Are South Africa’s junior miners thriving or not? Current research studies into opportunities, challenges and financing options.
The Minerals Council's Junior and Emerging Miners' Desk (JEMD) supports 35 junior and mid-tier producers, as well as exploration and development companies, through policy lobbying, stakeholder engagement, research and mentorship.
In partnership with SAIMM, the JEMD hosted a webinar to present the findings of the 2025 update to its landmark research into South Africa's junior mining sector, examining its economic contribution, job creation potential, investment landscape and key challenges. The webinar was supported by an economic overview of the broader South African mining industry and new research into financing options for junior mining companies.
The webinar took place on 27 March 2026. Confirmed speakers included Dr Manie Kriel (CEO, VBKOM), Bongani Motsa (Head of Economics, Minerals Council South Africa) and Francois van Rensburg (Milpark Business School).
Meet our speakers
Research Report
The extent, nature and economic impact of the Junior and Emerging Mining sector in South Africa in 2025
The Minerals Council's JEMD commissioned independent researcher Dr Manie Kriel to update his landmark 2019 study on South Africa's junior and emerging mining sector. The 2025 report examines the sector's economic contribution, job creation, licensing landscape, investment environment and key challenges, and makes the case for why supporting junior miners is critical to South Africa's economic future.
Media statement & resources
Media Statement
Revitalising the junior and emerging miners sector in South Africa is essential for the countrySound bite
Tebello Chabana: Senior Executive: Public Af fairs and Transformation, Minerals Council South AfricaSpeech
Junior and Emerging Miners Desk webinar opening comments - Mzila Mthenjane, CEO, Minerals Council South AfricaPresentation
State of Mining in South Africa: Unlocking the sector’s potential - Bongani Motsa, Acting Chief Economist, Minerals Council South AfricaPresentation
The extent, nature and economic impact of the Junior and Emerging Mining sector in South Africa in 2025 – an update from the 2019 report - Dr Manie Kriel, CEO, VBKOMPresentation
Financing options for junior miners in South Africa - Francois Janse van Rensburg, Project Manager and MBA graduate, Millpark Business SchoolFact sheet
Junior and Emerging Miners’ Desk fact sheet
The Junior and Emerging Miners’ Desk fact sheet outlines the support to the Minerals Council’s 35 junior members through policy lobbying, and providing advice and resources on regulatory issues, legal compliance, finance, and community relations.
