MEMSA recently hosted another insightful Lunch & Learn – Ore Room session, bringing together industry leaders for a closed-door discussion on the potential impact of a US/Israel-Iran conflict on South Africa, with a particular focus on the mining OEM sector.

The panel featured representatives from Minerals Council South Africa, including Matimba Mahange and Mzila Mthenjane, alongside economist Nezo Sobekwa and freight and logistics specialist Peter Schmidt-Löffler.

A key theme throughout the discussion was the vulnerability of South Africa’s mining equipment manufacturing sector to geopolitical shocks. Panellists highlighted the importance of localisation, stronger intra-African trade, and reducing reliance on fragile global supply chains. Strategic national assets such as Sasol were identified as critical to strengthening the country’s industrial resilience.

One word repeatedly surfaced during the session: collaboration. The discussion underscored the need for closer cooperation between industry, government, mining companies, and manufacturers to navigate an increasingly uncertain global environment.

The conversation also examined the practical challenges facing OEMs, including rising fuel costs, exchange-rate volatility, supply chain disruptions, and dependence on imported components. For many manufacturers, whose products are sold in rand while key inputs are sourced in foreign currencies, robust risk management and hedging strategies are becoming essential.

While the discussion centred on OEMs, it was clear that the implications extend far beyond manufacturing, touching the broader mining sector and South Africa’s economic resilience.

As always, The Ore Room provided a valuable platform for candid discussion, strategic insight, and industry engagement on the issues shaping the future of mining, manufacturing, and industrial development in South Africa.