Mining remains a cornerstone of South Africa’s economy, employing nearly 450,000 people and contributing heavily to exports. But it is also one of the most volatile sectors due to commodity cycles, mechanisation, and safety concerns.

Skills in demand include mining engineering, geology, metallurgy, and safety management. New qualifications in environmental management and green mining are also critical as sustainability takes centre stage.

Mechanisation is reducing demand for low-skilled labour but creating new jobs for operators, technicians, and data analysts. Globally, mining is moving towards digitalised operations, requiring ICT and engineering expertise.

Retrenchments remain high in deep-level mining, but redeployment into surface mining, processing, and renewable energy projects is possible. Women and youth remain underrepresented and need targeted support to access opportunities.

Mining will not vanish, but it will transform. The skills pipeline must shift from raw labour to technical and digital expertise if South Africa wants to stay competitive in global minerals markets.