The Netherlands’ Combi Approach aims to create sustainable impact by taking a systems perspective on global challenges and opportunities. This means understanding how a particular system works and where the gaps are; identifying local needs; building synergies and partnerships with local and international actors; and focusing efforts where the Netherlands can add the greatest value. Six enabling factors have been identified in the Combi Approach: 1) financing and markets; 2) improvement of laws and regulations; 3) policy influencing & diplomacy; 4) knowledge and research; 5) capacity building, skills development and technology transfer; and 6) infrastructure.

South Africa is one of the countries selected to implement the Combi Approach with the overarching goal of contributing to sustainable, positive change, in this instance, in the Critical Raw Minerals (CRM) system. In this context, the CRM system that will be analysed consists of the actors, value chain activities, infrastructure, policies, finance, knowledge and market dynamics that together determine how critical raw materials are extracted, processed, transported and traded.

This research project serves as a foundational step to guide the implementation of the Combi Approach. Specifically, the project aims to:
- Enhance understanding of South Africa’s critical raw minerals sector from a systems perspective, with a focus on platinum group metals, manganese, and other priority value chains (such as vanadium) identified through this project;
- Provide strategic guidance and concrete, actionable recommendations for implementing the Combi Approach, indicating how the Dutch government and its partners can drive positive system change in the critical raw material sector.

Download the terms of Reference below for more information or to apply:
TERMS OF REFENCE: System analysis South Africa Combi track Critical Raw Minerals