By Jamie Hyland
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, February 5, 2025 — Future-proofing African mining is a complex, interdisciplinary process that requires engagement at the intersection of several sectors – government, investment, community, talent, and markets. This was the consensus emerging from a high-level, all-women panel discussion at the Investing in African Mining Indaba 2025 event taking place in Cape Town this week – with the theme “Future-Proofing African Mining, Today!”
The panel featured senior executives, officials, and board members from leading organisations in the mining industry and downstream businesses, offering diverse perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in Africa’s mining sector.
Caroline Donally, Managing Partner of Sprott Streaming and Royalty, said that the key to unlocking the full potential of this opportunity is being able to give investors regulatory certainty.
“Investors want to be sure that if they invest today, the same legislation will be in place tomorrow, with the same environmental, royalties, and human-capital requirements. Investors don’t want a free ride. They just want the certainty that things won’t change dramatically.”
Africa’s Role in the EV Battery Supply Chain
A central theme of the day was Africa’s potential to bridge the growing electric vehicle (EV) battery supply gap through lithium and graphite production. Experts highlighted the importance of not only extracting these minerals but also investing in downstream processing and manufacturing capabilities. This strategy would enable African countries to move up the value chain, creating jobs and fostering economic growth.
Marna Cloete, President of Ivanhoe Mines, emphasized the continent’s unique position: “Our continent has a massive mineral endowment, in huge demand for the energy transition and for technology. But the question is whether we can maximize this opportunity.”
Martina Biene, Chairperson and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Africa, underscored the potential for local value addition. “There is huge demand to purchase more from Africa—not only in the form of raw commodities but in the form of processed material to supply downstream markets. It offers a world of possibilities for Africa to add local value, but it also offers environmental benefits. If we can create end product close to source, that minimizes carbon emissions.”
The Dealmaker’s Den: Recognizing Innovation in Mining Investment
One of the most exciting highlights of Day Three was The Dealmaker’s Den, where top mining projects pitched to a panel of investors in a high-stakes competition. Six junior mining companies pitch their gold projects to top investors in a high-stakes showdown. Congratulations to Midnight Sun Mining Corp. and Adrian O’Brien for winning this year’s Dealmaker’s Den at Mining Indaba 2025! Their innovative exploration and development strategies set them apart, securing investor confidence and industry recognition. Frontier Rare Earths was named runner-up, impressing the panel. Well done to all competitors for their outstanding presentations, showcasing the cutting-edge projects driving the future of African mining.
Sustainability Series: Balancing Growth and Environmental Responsibility
The Sustainability Series session focused on how mining can balance growth with environmental responsibility. Experts discussed key initiatives such as water management, reforestation, land restoration, and carbon offsets as necessary investments to protect ecosystems. Collaboration with local communities was highlighted as essential for ensuring responsible mining practices.
Anna Krutikov, Head of Sustainable Development at Glencore, stressed the importance of long-term sustainability: “Implementing sustainable practices is not just about compliance; it’s about ensuring the long-term viability of our operations and the well-being of the communities we operate in.”
Future-Proofing African Mining: A Multi-Stakeholder Approach
The Future-Proofing African Mining panel reinforced that sustainable growth in Africa’s mining sector requires collaboration between governments, investors, mining companies, and communities.
Ntokozo Nzimande, Deputy Director-General of South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, emphasized, “Processing and manufacturing is where jobs are created. Collaboration between governments, investors, mining companies, and communities is critical to future-proofing mining.”
Sameera Mohamed, HR Director for Microsoft Africa, noted the importance of training for future workforce development: “Interconnectedness between stakeholders helps to create jobs, but skilling is what creates the capability to do those jobs. The human spirit has a constant need to keep progressing. Communities, technology companies, governments, and investors all have a part to play in building the workforce of the future.”
Zenzi Awases, President of the Association of Women in Mining in Africa (AWIMA), highlighted the importance of community investment: “Mining is most effective when you invest in communities, support artisanal and small-scale mining, and empower youth and women. Women know their communities and can provide quick answers to anyone who wants to understand them better.”
Celebrating Sponsors and Exhibitors
The day concluded with recognition of exceptional sponsors and exhibitors, including Catterpiller, Kanona Power Company Limited, AECI Mining, JOGMEC, Liebherr Africa, and Rawbank SA. Their contributions are instrumental in driving the future of African mining.
Building a Resilient Future for African Mining
As Mining Indaba 2025 progresses, discussions from Day Three underscore Africa’s transformative potential in sustainable mining and critical minerals. By fostering investment, embracing innovation, and prioritizing collaboration, the continent is poised to drive long-term economic development and play a pivotal role in the global energy transition.
