The split of the former Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) into two stand-alone entities has meant that the new Department of Mineral Resources (the Department) was now able to focus squarely on the mining and minerals industry. South Africa is the world's biggest producer of platinum, chrome, vanadium and manganese, the third-largest gold producer and a major source of coal. Against the backdrop of clear signs that the economy is recovering from the global recession, the mining industry has an opportunity to ensure that South Africa and its people benefit from the wealth of resources beneath the soil. Whilst the pace of recovery remains uncertain, the Department has to work towards positioning the South African mining and minerals industry to ensure that it is ready to take full advantage of the inevitable upswing in the economy.