Andreas says even though the sector was on the downturn until the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020 and commodity prices soared, he is of the view that small businesses should not be deterred.

He says it is important for entrepreneurs in the mining sector to look at their respective passions within the industry and then specialise because “you cannot be the jack of all trades”, he cautions. The Northern Cape entrepreneur stresses the importance of perfecting your niche and servicing your clientele accordingly.

Listen to his other insights below:

The OFM Business Hour sat down with Andreas ahead of the 2022 Mining Indaba held in Cape Town in early May.

The Minerals Council of South Africa revealed at the indaba that the value of the country’s minerals production exceeded R1 trillion for the first time in 2021 - above the R910 billion achieved in 2020. 

The boost was attributed primarily to the improved commodity prices which soared on the back of the Coronavirus pandemic, thus echoing Andreas’ sentiments that there are some increasing opportunities for mining in the country.

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He says patience and perseverance are key to success as an entrepreneur in general and in mining especially. “The entrepreneur's journey is a long road. You should never go into business with the intention of getting rich quick or with a short-term approach,” concludes Andreas.

OFM