CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, February 6, 2025 — The final day of the Mining Indaba 2025 conference in Cape Town concluded with a series of forward-thinking sessions, underscoring the industry’s dedication to sustainable growth and the cultivation of new talent. The day’s events, particularly the Young Leaders Programme and the Sustainability Series, highlighted the sector’s commitment to shaping a responsible and innovative future for African mining.
Mining Indaba 2025 Highlights
Young Leaders Programme: Fostering the Next Generation of Mining Professionals
The Young Leaders Programme served as a pivotal platform, connecting emerging mining professionals with seasoned industry veterans. Discussions centered on career development, innovation, and leadership within the mining sector. The programme commenced with an opening address by Timothy Schultz, Partner and SA Energy & Resources Lead at Brunswick Group, who emphasized the importance of mentorship and continuous learning in navigating the evolving landscape of mining.
A highlight of the programme was the “Leadership: Fireside Chat with CEOs,” where African mining leaders shared personal insights into their academic journeys, early influences, and the mentors who shaped their careers. Mfikeyi Makayi, CEO Africa of KoBold Metals, reflected on the significance of resilience and adaptability, stating, “In an industry as dynamic as mining, the ability to embrace change and learn from every experience is crucial.”
The session titled “Voices of the Future: Young Professionals Perspectives on the Controversies Surrounding African Mining” provided a platform for young leaders to discuss pressing issues such as community engagement, health and safety, and environmental stewardship.
Ada Thela, Founder & Managing Director of Zoe Diamonds, advocated for greater community involvement, asserting, “Empowering local communities is not just a responsibility but a pathway to sustainable success in mining.”
The Sustainability Series continued on the final day, focusing on integrating responsible practices throughout the mining value chain. A notable session, “Transparency from the Ground Up: Emerging Approaches for Connecting Mines to the Supply Chain for More Credible Due Diligence,” examined the challenges and opportunities in implementing the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Mineral Supply Chains. Georgina Hallett, Chief Sustainability Officer & Head of Physical Markets at the London Metal Exchange, highlighted the need for improved information flow, stating, “While progress has been made over the past decade, systemic challenges in data transparency and trust remain. Collaborative efforts are essential to enhance due diligence across the supply chain.”
The panel also featured insights from Xiaoyan (Celia) Xu, ESG Manager at TFM, and Fabiana Di Lorenzo, Senior Director of Impact, Innovation, and Credibility at the Responsible Minerals Initiative. Discussions emphasized the importance of leveraging existing data sources, such as Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) reports, and developing trusted channels for sharing due diligence information.
Geopolitics and Critical Minerals: Navigating a Complex Landscape
A session titled “Geopolitics, Africa, and the Real Business of Critical Minerals” delved into Africa’s strategic role in supplying essential minerals for global industries, technology, and the energy transition. Speakers, including Charles Young, Head of Mining Sector Group at Bowmans, and Mxolisi Mgojo, President of Business Unity South Africa, discussed the continent’s opportunities and challenges amid increasing geopolitical tensions.
Themba Mkhwanazi, Regional Director for Africa and Australia at Anglo American, emphasized the need for Africa to ascend the minerals value chain, stating, “Investing in infrastructure and developing local processing capabilities are vital steps toward ensuring that the benefits of Africa’s mineral wealth are realized within the continent.”
Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of the Minerals Council South Africa, highlighted the importance of strategic focus and risk management, noting, “With the right approach, Africa can not only navigate the complexities of global demand but also thrive by leveraging its unique position in the critical minerals market.”
Key Takeaways from Mining Indaba 2025
Throughout the week, several themes emerged as central to the future of African mining:
Indigenous and Local Voices: The conference prioritized the inclusion of indigenous peoples and local communities, recognizing their crucial role in shaping sustainable and equitable mining practices.
Commitment to Sustainability: There was a reinforced dedication to inclusivity, environmental stewardship, and strategic collaboration aimed at strengthening Africa’s mining industry.
Geopolitical Strategy: Discussions explored Africa’s critical choices in engaging with global powers amid rising demand for minerals essential to the energy transition.
As Mining Indaba 2025 concluded, the collective insights and dialogues underscored a shared vision: to harness Africa’s rich mineral resources responsibly, ensuring that mining activities contribute to sustainable development and prosperity across the continent.
Looking ahead, the industry is poised to implement the strategies and partnerships forged during the conference, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and community empowerment. The conversations and commitments made at Mining Indaba 2025 have set a robust foundation for the future of mining in Africa.
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