In the dynamic landscape of South Africa, critical minerals, known as strategic minerals or critical raw materials, hold a pivotal role. These natural resources are indispensable for powering modern economies and technologies, yet their supply can be susceptible to geopolitical, economic, or environmental disturbances. Across a spectrum of industries—from electronics to energy, defence to aerospace—these minerals form the bedrock of innovation. Their worth is derived from unparalleled properties and applications that defy easy substitution.