CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, February 3, 2025 — The Investing in African Mining Indaba 2025 commenced today with a vibrant Opening Ceremony, setting an energetic tone for the week ahead. The day’s agenda was packed with insightful sessions and interactive workshops, all aimed at addressing the future of mining in Africa.
Opening Ceremony and Disruptive Discussions
The event began with a powerful Opening Ceremony featuring an esteemed lineup of speakers. The session was moderated by Gofaone Modise and Thami Nkadimeng, who guided discussions on the key challenges and opportunities shaping African mining.
In his welcome address, Hon. Geordin Hill-Lewis, Executive Mayor of Cape Town, emphasized the city’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to responsible and sustainable mining investment. Frans Baleni, Former General Secretary of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), reflected on the evolving role of labor unions in driving industry transformation.
Hon. Minister Gwede Mantashe, Minister of Mineral Resources & Energy, Government of South Africa, addressed the need for regulatory stability and investment-friendly policies to attract capital into Africa’s mining sector. Kgosi Seatlholo, Chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, spoke about the importance of integrating Indigenous and traditional communities into the mining value chain.
Dr. Marit Kitaw, Interim Director of the African Union – African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC), highlighted the AU’s vision for the sector, calling for increased beneficiation and value addition of minerals within the continent.
Following the opening remarks, the launch of “Disruptive Discussions” sparked thought-provoking conversations among attendees. These discussions are designed to challenge traditional mining paradigms and explore innovative approaches to industry challenges.
Future-Proofing African Mining: Uncovering the Top 5 Elements for Success
A key session titled “Future-Proofing African Mining Today – Uncovering the Top 5 Elements for Success” delved into the collaborative roles of governments, investors, indigenous communities, and technology adopters. The discussion emphasized the vast opportunities available to future-proof mining in Africa through streamlined downstream value addition.
The Global Investor Commission on Mining 2030: Addressing Historic Legacies and Creating Positive Ones
The Global Investor Commission on Mining 2030 aims to shape a socially and environmentally responsible mining sector by 2030. In today’s session, the Commission clarified finance’s role in achieving this goal. Through its workstream on addressing historic legacies and creating positive ones, the Commission helped define “legacy” and how to frame future efforts.
Future-Proofing African Communities from the Effects of Climate Change
Another significant session focused on how miners can implement water recycling systems, transition to renewable energy sources, restore mined lands with vegetation, and integrate climate modeling into planning and operational risk management. These strategies are crucial for mitigating the impacts of climate change on African communities.
Tech in Action: Transforming Tire Maintenancets
In a technical session titled “Tech in Action: Transforming Tire Maintenance,” Christian Erdelyi, Manager of Mining Technology Solutions at Kal Tire’s Mining Tire Group, shared how TireSight’s advanced capabilities and integrated approach to technology support mines in maximizing truck safety, efficiency, and tire performance.
Erdelyi remarked, “Being in front of a great audience was both exciting and a little nerve-wracking—those butterflies on stage remind me that even when you’re passionate about technology, you’re still human.”.
Christian Erdelyi, Manager of Mining Technology Solutions at Kal Tire’s Mining Tire Group from Canada
Critical for Whom – How Producers Can Flip the Script on Critical Minerals
Top-tier panelists discussed the importance of critical minerals to Africa’s energy security and development. The session explored how Africa’s energy security depends on the management and integration of these resources into local energy strategies.
Interactive Workshops
The day featured several interactive workshops, including:
Maximizing Africa’s Critical Minerals Endowment: Sponsored by the African Finance Corporation, this workshop explored how Africa can maximize its critical minerals by fostering local beneficiation, developing renewable energy industries, and leveraging regional collaboration to negotiate fair trade terms.
Game-Changing Technologies: Sponsored by Microsoft, this immersive, hands-on workshop allowed participants to try out new technologies and configure their own Industrial Copilots relevant to their mining persona.
Networking Events
Networking is a cornerstone of Mining Indaba, and the 2025 edition is no exception. Attendees at the Cabo Beach Club, V&A Waterfront, had the opportunity to connect during events such as the Ministerial Braai, Investor Drinks Reception, and the Mining Indaba Welcome Party. These gatherings provided invaluable opportunities for stakeholders to share insights and forge strategic partnerships.
Cabo Beach Club, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa
Key Highlights from Day One
Disruptive Discussions: Future-Proofing African Mining: Experts explored how collaboration between governments, investors, indigenous communities, and technology adopters can unlock future opportunities.
Investment Programme: The Global Investor Commission on Mining 2030: The Commission clarified finance’s role in achieving a socially and environmentally responsible mining sector by 2030, addressing historic legacies and creating positive ones.
Sustainability Series: Future-Proofing African Communities from the Effects of Climate Change: The focus was on how miners can implement water recycling systems, transition to renewable energy sources, restore mined lands with vegetation, and integrate climate modeling into planning and operational risk management.
Intergovernmental Summit: Critical for Whom – How Producers Can Flip the Script on Critical Minerals: Panelists explained how Africa’s energy security depends on how these critical minerals are managed and integrated into local energy strategies.
Workshop: Maximizing Africa’s Critical Minerals Endowment: The session focused on how Africa can maximize its critical minerals by fostering local beneficiation, developing renewable energy industries, and leveraging regional collaboration to negotiate fair trade terms.
The day’s events underscored the conference’s theme of “Building a Unified African Mining Value Chain: Enhancing Best Practice.” As the week progresses, attendees can look forward to more insightful sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to drive sustainable investment and innovation in the African mining sector.
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