The United States and South Africa have begun early-stage discussions on
potential bilateral investment deals spanning mining, energy and infrastructure,
in a move that could ease strained relations between the two countries. Around
25 officials and industry representatives met in Johannesburg, marking the
highest-level engagement this year focused on minerals cooperation. Talks
centered on identifying priority projects, including rare earth assets such as
the Phalaborwa mine, and building supply chains less reliant on China, while
South Africa’s key mineral resources and processing capacity were highlighted as
strategic areas of cooperation.
