South Africa’s ambitions to become a larger player in the global battery supply chain may soon receive a major boost as lithium exploration activity accelerates across KwaZulu-Natal.
Often referred to as “white gold” because of its importance in electric vehicle (EV) batteries and renewable energy storage systems, lithium has become one of the world’s most sought-after minerals amid the global transition away from fossil fuels.
For years, South Africa has possessed many of the critical minerals needed for advanced energy technologies, including vast reserves of manganese, platinum group metals, vanadium, nickel and titanium. Yet the country has largely remained on the sidelines of the lithium boom due to a lack of significant commercial discoveries.
That situation may now be changing.
Lithium Exploration Expands Across KwaZulu-Natal
Interest in lithium deposits has intensified following developments at the Highbury Mine near Umzumbe on KwaZulu-Natal’s south coast.
The operation, owned by SA Lithium, has been extracting lithium-bearing pegmatite ore since 2023. While the current mining footprint remains relatively modest, the company has submitted plans for a substantial expansion.
Under the proposal, the mining pit would increase from approximately 30 hectares to 151 hectares, while the waste dumping area could expand from 16 hectares to 180 hectares. The project aims to raise annual production capacity to 250,000 tonnes and extend the mine’s lifespan by around two decades.
According to environmental assessment documents, the expansion could require the relocation of between 142 and 153 households located within designated buffer zones.
Interest extends beyond a single project. Environmental investigative publication Oxpeckers has identified 11 lithium prospecting applications submitted to the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources across KwaZulu-Natal.
Other companies, including Afli Exploration and Black Rock Africa, are targeting exploration areas covering more than 40,000 hectares of coastal farmland and rural communities.
Opportunities And Environmental Concerns
Supporters of the projects argue that local lithium production could create significant economic opportunities and strengthen South Africa’s position in the rapidly expanding battery manufacturing industry.
The proximity of several proposed mining sites to the coastline could also reduce export costs. Industry stakeholders have already discussed upgrading regional ports, including Port Shepstone Port, to facilitate future lithium exports to international battery manufacturing hubs.
At the same time, environmental groups and community organisations have raised concerns about the impact of mining activities on ecologically sensitive coastal regions.
Although lithium plays a key role in reducing global carbon emissions by enabling battery storage and electric mobility, local communities often face direct environmental challenges associated with mining operations. These can include dust, water contamination, land degradation and noise pollution.
The growing interest in lithium also comes at a critical moment for South Africa’s automotive industry. As global demand shifts toward electric vehicles, manufacturers such as Volkswagen at its Kariega production facility face increasing pressure to remain competitive in international markets.
Recognising these challenges, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition recently proposed changes to the Automotive Production and Development Programme. The reforms would expand incentives for critical battery minerals processed in South Africa and neighbouring countries, helping build a stronger regional battery manufacturing ecosystem.
Industry experts caution that substantial investment will still be required before South Africa can establish a complete lithium value chain. Beyond mining, the country would need refining facilities, battery component manufacturing and advanced processing capabilities.
Nevertheless, growing exploration activity in KwaZulu-Natal suggests South Africa may finally be positioning itself to participate more directly in the global lithium economy and the energy transition that is reshaping industries worldwide.
Source: Oxpeckers, Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, and industry reports.