C5 Capital, a specialist global investment firm, and Sibanye-Stillwater, a leading multinational mining and metals processing group, have announced a strategic partnership to advance the future of nuclear energy in South Africa and on a global scale. This collaboration aims to leverage both companies’ unique expertise to tap into uranium resources critical for the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) and related fuel cycles.
Pioneering Clean Energy Solutions
The partnership will focus on the identification, acquisition, financing, and development of uranium projects and production facilities. These facilities are expected to supply uranium to SMRs, which are emerging as a game-changing technology in clean energy due to their flexibility, efficiency, and smaller environmental footprint.
C5 Capital, renowned for investments in advanced nuclear energy, space, and cybersecurity, operates an Energy Security Fund dedicated to bolstering the resilience of the global nuclear supply chain. As a signatory of the Net Zero Nuclear Industry Pledge, C5 Capital is committed to supporting the global ambition to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050.
Andre Pienaar, founder of C5 Capital, emphasized the transformative potential of this collaboration:
“The combination of C5’s innovative investments in advanced nuclear with Sibanye’s uranium production potential creates a transformative partnership in clean energy both for South Africa and globally.”
Reviving South Africa’s Uranium Legacy
South Africa has a long-standing history of uranium production, primarily as a byproduct of gold or copper mining. Sibanye-Stillwater’s operations at Cooke and Beatrix present a substantial opportunity to rejuvenate uranium mining in the country.
At its Cooke gold operation, Sibanye-Stillwater has identified 32.2 million pounds of uranium oxide (U₃O₈) in measured and indicated resources, sourced from surface tailings facilities—a legacy of gold mining activities. These resources are strategically positioned near the company’s existing Cooke (gold-only) and Ezulwini (gold and uranium) processing plants, which last produced uranium in 2016.
Additionally, the Beisa section of the Beatrix underground gold mine boasts 26.9 million pounds of U₃O₈ in measured and indicated resources. Together, these assets highlight South Africa’s capacity to reemerge as a key player in the global uranium supply chain.
Driving Global Impact
This partnership represents a significant step toward enhancing South Africa’s role in the global clean energy transition. SMRs, which require smaller quantities of uranium compared to traditional reactors, offer a versatile solution for both on-grid and off-grid applications. They are particularly well-suited to the African continent’s diverse energy needs, including electrifying rural areas and supporting industrial projects.
A Vision for Net Zero
The partnership aligns with South Africa’s ambitions to achieve a cleaner energy mix and contribute to the global fight against climate change. By revitalizing uranium production and integrating it into the SMR value chain, the collaboration between C5 Capital and Sibanye-Stillwater has the potential to position South Africa as a leader in advanced nuclear energy.
For more updates on South Africa’s advancements in nuclear energy, stay connected with Nuclear Africa.
