Orion Minerals CEO to Highlight Energy Transition Potential at Critical Minerals Africa Summit

Smart is set to discuss Orion Minerals' role in advancing South Africa's energy transition minerals industry and identify strategic areas for further investment.

Orion Minerals CEO Errol Smart will be a key participant at the upcoming Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) Summit, scheduled for November 6-7 in Cape Town. Smart is set to discuss Orion Minerals' role in advancing South Africa's energy transition minerals industry and identify strategic areas for further investment.

Orion Minerals is actively pursuing a series of exploration and infrastructure development initiatives in South Africa, targeting first copper sales by 2025. The company recently discovered high-grade copper deposits at the Flat Mines area of the Okiep Copper Project in Northern Cape Province. This project, estimated to contain up to 9.4 million tons at 1.3% copper reserves, is undergoing a feasibility study to secure the necessary funding for mine development. The successful development of this project will strengthen South Africa's position as a leading supplier of essential minerals.

CMA 2024 aims to position Africa as the primary destination for critical mineral investments. The summit is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy 2024 conference from November 4-8, providing delegates with comprehensive access to leaders in energy, mining, and finance in Cape Town. Interested sponsors, exhibitors, and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Last month, Orion Minerals secured R43.7 million (US$2.4 million) from South Africa’s Industrial Development Corporation to acquire a controlling stake in the Okiep Copper Project, supporting ongoing exploration and accelerating development towards the 2025 production goal. The company has also initiated trial mining at its Prieska Copper Zinc Mine project in the Northern Cape, aiming to expedite the 2.4 million metric tons per annum project.

Orion Minerals is dedicated to enhancing South Africa’s critical mineral value chain and increasing value-added activities. The company is conducting feasibility studies for the Jacomynspan Battery Metals Project, which aims to supply high-grade nickel-copper-cobalt-PGE-gold to the Stratega Metals Vapour Refining Project—South Africa’s first refinery facility for battery materials.

At CMA 2024, Errol Smart will engage in high-level panel discussions to showcase Orion Minerals' project portfolio, investment strategy, and partnership opportunities. This participation underscores the company's commitment to fostering South Africa’s critical mineral industry and supporting the global energy transition.