Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Industry Expert – Mining and Metals Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is seeking a highly experienced Industry Expert for Mining and Metals to drive a critical initiative. The IDC is committed to equality, employment equity, and diversity, and actively focuses on strengthening South Africa's industrial landscape.

This fixed-term contract (24 months), based in Gauteng, is a high-impact role focused on implementing the IDC’s Mining Game Plan and Critical Minerals Initiative. The objective is to unlock high-impact projects and move South Africa’s critical minerals agenda from strategic intent to tangible delivery, leveraging the country's manufacturing and technical expertise.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for this role, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a highly experienced and accomplished industry leader.
• Possess a proven track record of success in implementing, developing, and scaling mining and metals-related businesses, technologies, or industries.
• Have an extensive network and expertise relevant to driving the growth and competitiveness of South Africa's mineral value chain.
• Demonstrate strong strategic thinking and leadership skills.
• Be able to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across public and private sectors.
• In line with the IDC’s employment equity plan, preference may be given to candidates from underrepresented designated groups.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for a range of strategic and operational duties, including:

• Leading the implementation of the Critical Minerals Initiative.
• Moving South Africa’s critical minerals agenda from intent to delivery.
• Converging on high-impact priorities and unlocking bottlenecks.
• Establishing a clear delivery and coordination plan for project opportunities.
• Unlocking increased exploration activity and securing future mineral production.
• Identifying projects for potential IDC involvement and developing the project pipeline.
• Scaling up existing investments and graduating projects.
• Leveraging existing IDC off-take rights.
• Exploring regional resource locations and proactively developing projects for local value addition.
• Identifying logistics bottlenecks and developing potential solutions.
• Engaging government and supporting regional agreements and coordination around critical minerals.
• Advocating and supporting mineral policy development that encourages beneficiation.
• Engaging with manufacturers to develop demand and integrated regional value chains.
• Facilitating direct market relationships with mining companies to secure supply and ensure local value addition.
• Facilitating the sourcing and crowding in of funding from various sources.
• Leading the identification of potential investment opportunities or project development.
• Implementing and monitoring the execution plan for the Mining Game Plan and the Critical Minerals Initiative.

What the Work Involves

This role involves driving the execution of the IDC’s strategic vision for critical minerals. Day-to-day work will include leading implementation plans, identifying and developing new projects, and engaging extensively with a diverse range of stakeholders. This includes government entities, private sector partners, and manufacturers, all with the goal of developing integrated value chains and securing mineral supply.

The Industry Expert will report directly to the Head of the Industry Planning Unit and will work closely with the Industry Planner responsible for the mining and metals industry, as well as the Mining & Metals business unit involved in industry development. This collaborative environment focuses on moving strategic plans to tangible outcomes within South Africa's mineral value chain.

How to Apply

Applications for this opportunity must be submitted online by 14 October 2026.

To apply, please visit the IDC careers portal using the following link: https://careers.idc.co.za/apply/index.html?jobId=PD4FK026203F3VBQB6868QWCT-17019&langCode=en_GB