Ok, it's an interesting idea, but I think you should have some perspective on the mining industry in SA.
Firstly, the contribution of the mining industry to the GDP has been consistently declining, i think it's sitting on about 7% at the moment, but it generates just under 50% of our foreign exchange earnings, which is important to keep the rand where it is in relation to other currencies. The mining industry has been hit by high (and increasing) electricity prices and high (and increasing) labour costs (against the backdrop of declining productivity), as well as increased production costs and declining ore grades. What it means is that 70% of the gold and platinum mines are marginal at best, unprofitable at worst. Its obviously unsustainable in 5 year most of them will likely close. So regarding beneficiation, it may be late. If we started 20 years ago, I would say we may have had a chance. Gold is mainly purchased (both locally and internationally) as a reserve metal, jewellery applications are minor, and require little beneficiation. Diamonds, we produce maybe 10% of the global output so we just dont have the muscle to dislodge well-established cutting and polishing centres in Antwerp, Tel Aviv and Mumbai (and Surat). Platinum is only one we sort of having a shot at in beneficiating, but taking into account that by 2030 EU will start phasing out combustion engine in favour of EV, which will practically cut the platinum demand by 50%. Our only way out is to invest into the development and marketing of the fuel cells (which use platinum), driving the tech behind the commodity. So mining has been historically viewed, in SA context, as an big employer, deep, labour intensive, gold and platinum mines. This is no longer the case and mining is rapidly becoming high tech business. In terms of taking on our major mineral trading partners, USA, China, EU, South Korea and Japan, there is practically little we can do to muscle them into giving us a better deal. I sometimes feel sorry for Rob Davies going to trade negotiations with the "big boys" and then trying to pass unfavourable outcome (for us) as win-win. In trade it's all a matter of scale and leverage, we have neither. Good luck guys.