Mantashe punts critical minerals as a key driver for SA's economic development, job creation
Mantashe was speaking at an engagement on the G20 critical minerals framework in Sandton on Tuesday.
Although voluntary, the framework is tipped to be a blueprint for harnessing critical mineral resources to drive development.
Mantashe said he hoped it would promote secure, transparent and sustainable value chains.
"The most important thing for us, as developing economies, is that we should not be bullied for what we own. We must have a view and our view must be respected, that we mine those critical minerals and people need them, they must talk to us. We must not give them critical minerals on their own terms and our views are ignored."
With looming tariffs from the US on imports into that country, Mantashe said South Africa shouldn't be backed into a corner.
"You get 30% tariffs imposed on you? Send those tariffs elsewhere where there are no tariffs, where you get optimal value."
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