New York:South Africa is taking significant steps to foster a partnership with the United States aimed at advancing the beneficiation of critical minerals. Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau outlined plans for a Critical Minerals Investment Platform and a South Africa-USA Critical Minerals Working Group during a roundtable event in New York. According to South African Government News Agency, Tau emphasized the importance of shifting from mere discussions about South Africa's mineral wealth to forming partnerships that build resilient supply chains, enhance industrial cooperation, and create more value from the country's resources. The proposed mechanisms are intended to align South African critical minerals projects with U.S. industrial needs, technology, and financial resources. Tau stressed the need for South Africa to move beyond the extraction and export of raw materials, aiming to establish value chains that encompass mining, refining, processing, and downstream production. The country' s Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy focuses on local processing, infrastructure, research, and strategic partnerships to maximize the value of its mineral reserves. The partnership proposal seeks to address strategic economic needs for both countries, with South Africa contributing mineral resources and industrial infrastructure, while the U.S. provides capital, technology, and market access. Tau highlighted the potential for co-investment, rather than a traditional supplier relationship, and identified several areas for value addition, such as battery materials and platinum group metal-based products. The proposed Critical Minerals Investment Platform would involve South African and U.S. institutions working together to support priority projects through development support and investment. Tau also suggested a South Africa-USA Critical Minerals Working Group to advance these discussions, focusing on practical implementation and measurable outcomes. Additionally, Tau envisioned South Africa as a hub for a broader Southern African critical minerals platform, leveraging regional resources from countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia to develop value chains rather than exporting unprocessed minerals. The initiative aims to align with the Southern African Development Community's industrialization agenda. The roundtable, hosted by Brand South Africa and Standard Bank, brought together key figures from business, finance, and strategic sectors to explore specific investment opportunities and foster collaboration between South African and U.S. companies.