By James Hyland
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA — February 5, 2024 — As the sun rose over the picturesque city of Cape Town, the Mining Indaba commenced its 30th Anniversary, promising a week filled with insightful discussions, innovative ideas, and a renewed focus on Africa’s pivotal role in the global mining sector. The prestigious event attracted over 8,100 attendees, including 900 investors and 700 executives from mining companies, marking a substantial gathering of industry leaders and stakeholders.
Indaba 2024 centers on “Driving Sustainable Investment in African Mining,” a theme dedicated to fostering positive disruption and innovation within the sector. The conference aims to redefine the future of African mining by emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices, technological advancements, and strategic investments to ensure long-term growth and responsible resource utilization in the continent’s rich mining industry.
The first day set a high bar with a keynote speech by H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of the Republic of South Africa, igniting discussions on Africa’s potential in the global market, particularly in the mining industry. The day was charged with discussions about the continent’s capability to supply critical minerals essential for the electronic and automotive industries. Delegates delved into the importance of Africa in the industrialization of components and debated the integral role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance in the global supply chain.
We have instituted a number of reforms to enable businesses to operate optimally. Since the removal of the licensing threshold for embedded generation, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa has registered no less than 1 312 generation facilities with a combined capacity of over 6 300 MW. Around a third of this capacity supplies the mining load. It is encouraging that more and more mining companies, including Gold Fields, Anglo American, Seriti and Exxaro, are beginning to take advantage of these reforms to power their mining operations and curtail their operational costs.
H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa
The event’s opening was marked by the welcoming words of Thami Nkadimeng, followed by insights from notable figures like Frans Baleni, Chair of the Executive Advisory Board, and Hon. Gwede Mantashe, the Minister of Mineral Resources & Energy. The international presence was underscored by the attendance of H.E. Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting the event’s significance on a global scale.
The agenda was packed with discussions aimed at addressing some of the most pressing issues in the mining sector. Topics ranged from the transparency in data sharing and health and safety concerns to the challenges of interoperability in tech systems. Expert speakers like Jean-Jacques Verhaeghe, Anton Torlutter, and Chrisna Evans among others, offered their insights, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s current landscape and future potential.
In a session dedicated to the Intergovernmental Summit, speakers like H.E. Samuel A. Jinapor and Dr. Marit Kitaw shared their perspectives on promoting Africa’s Mining Vision globally. The discussions centered around the continent’s vision for mining and minerals, the exploitation of mining assets for maximum value capture, and the development of alternative energy sources to support mining prospects.
The conference was not just about talks; it also presented a platform for showcasing technological innovations. For instance, the Tech and Innovation Hub highlighted the Elios 3 Surveying Payload, a cutting-edge solution for mapping inaccessible areas, turning what used to be days of mapping into a mere 10-minute job.
As the conference unfolds, it’s clear that the 30th Anniversary of the Mining Indaba is more than just a gathering; it’s a catalyst for change, driving sustainable investment and embracing the power of positive disruption. The focus is not only on harnessing Africa’s mineral wealth but also on ensuring that the benefits are shared across the value chain, contributing to the continent’s broader structural development. With a dynamic lineup of speakers and a commitment to addressing real issues, the Mining Indaba is set to pave the way for a bold new future in African mining.
For further insights and agenda info visit Indaba Mining
