Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) Strategic Plan 2020 - 2025.

This Strategic Plan of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) serves as a sectoral roadmap to strengthen energy security and drive sustainable economic growth in the mining and energy sectors. It focuses on regulating, transforming, and promoting these industries while ensuring that all South Africans benefit equitably from the country’s mineral wealth. A reliable energy supply is essential for economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability. By expanding access to affordable and sustainable energy services, the Plan supports pollution reduction and climate change mitigation. To address short-term energy shortages, the DMRE will accelerate energy efficiency initiatives, while long-term generation capacity will be strengthened through systematic regulation and strategic investment.
The following key Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) Policy Positions will be implemented by the DMRE with urgency to mitigate specific risks (i) launch a medium-term power purchase programme to create reserve capacity, complement Eskom’s declining performance, and reduce diesel generator use; (ii) extend the Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant’s design life by 20 years, with immediate technical and regulatory action; (iii) provide financial and legal support to Eskom to meet Minimum Emission Standards (MES) while ensuring energy security and minimizing economic risks; (iv) develop a ‘just transition’ plan within a year, in consultation with social partners, to prevent job losses, modernize the energy sector, and maximize resource use; (v) maintain current annual build limits on renewables (wind and photovoltaic) until the just transition report is completed; (vi) allow coal resource development for power generation within a planning framework that supports a just transition; (vii) promote gas infrastructure development and convert all diesel-fired power plants (Peakers) to gas; (viii) begin the nuclear build programme immediately, adding 2,500 MW at a sustainable pace and scale as a long-term, no-regret option; (ix) support regional electricity interconnection by investing in strategic power projects in neighboring countries, including hydropower and gas, and developing cross-border transmission infrastructure.
Through the Programmes and Projects Branch, the DMRE will play a critical role in managing, coordinating, and monitoring energy and minerals programs and projects. Its key focus areas include overseeing the National Electrification Programme, and managing projects aimed at developing, improving, and transforming electricity generation, transmission, and distribution, such as the Solar Home System Programme, renewable energy deployment, and electricity infrastructure projects. The branch will also provide strategic guidance on environmental management and climate change, advance energy efficiency, and ensure the integration of sustainable energy solutions into South Africa’s mainstream energy supply.
The main strategies are the following (i) cleaner coal technologies will be adopted to maintain coal’s role in the energy mix. Renewable energy projects will continue supported by a state-owned special-purpose vehicle. Expanding the gas market, increasing exploration, and strengthening African partnerships will address energy access and affordability. A just transition to a low-carbon economy will be facilitated; (ii) the energy distribution industry will be strengthened by refining regulations, and increasing infrastructure investment, which will boost energy availability and economic transformation. The mining industry remains vital for economic growth and job creation, with the Mining Charter promoting investor confidence and equitable wealth distribution. Investment in research and innovation will enhance South Africa’s competitiveness in global markets; (iii) to accelerate mineral exploration, will be implemented the Geoscience Technical Programme (GTP) by 2021, ensuring long-term funding for geosciences. Regulatory certainty will be reinforced through legal frameworks, promoting inclusive economic participation. Licensing conditions for beneficiation will be improved, and turnaround times for approvals will be reduced. These efforts aim to increase ownership, access to resources, and economic opportunities for women, youth, and persons with disabilities; (iv) mine health and safety regulations will be reviewed to reduce fatalities, injuries, and diseases. The DMRE will address gender-based violence in mining, ensuring a safe and inclusive work environment. Legislative enforcement and an integrated government Programme of Action will mitigate mining’s negative impact on communities and enhance worker protection.