Contextual analysis of the reference countries: Republic of South Africa

The principal objectives of the INTRAW project (http://intraw.eu) are the mapping of best practices and boosting of cooperation opportunities related to raw materials between the EU and 5 technologically advanced non-EU countries (Australia, Canada, Japan, South Africa and the United States). Each of these five “Reference Countries” is subject to similar global challenges. This report presents the contextual analysis of the Republic of South Africa (RSA) in order to explain the country´s historical economic development during the 20th and 21st century in general, and in relation to development of primary raw materials in particular. Three reports focussing specifically on: raw materials research and innovation; education and outreach; and industry and trade in the Reference Countries will be the next outputs from the project to be published. These will underpin the development of a better understanding of the achievements made in these 5 countries in relation to raw materials research & innovation, educational and skills programmes, trade, exploration, exploitation, processing, recycling and substitution.The INTRAW project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement nº 642130. www.intraw.e