STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION AT THE HEART OF MINING INDABA 2025
• AFRICAN BUZZ
Conclusion By January 2025 , Eskom had made a remarkable turnaround . Not only had there been no loadshedding since March 2024 - marking over nine months of uninterrupted supply - but the implementation of its Generation Recovery Plan had significantly improved planned maintenance and the reliability of power plants . Notably , Koeberg Unit 2 was synchronised to the grid at the end of December 2024 , while Kusile Unit 6 and Medupi Unit 4 were expected to come online in the first quarter of 2025 .
STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION AT THE HEART OF MINING INDABA 2025
While Eskom has projected a potential shortage of around 2 000MW in dispatchable generation during the winter months , this forecast has assumed a high level of unplanned outages and is therefore considered unlikely . Nevertheless , a slight risk of loadshedding during the winter cannot be entirely ruled out .
Overall , the improved electricity availability in South Africa is a positive development for economic activity heading into 2025 . Along with other forecasters such as the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ), we anticipate that the sustained absence of power cuts will be an important factor behind faster domestic real GDP growth in 2025 . At this stage , growth of 1.5 % to 2 % is pencilled in for 2025 , up from a projected less than 1 % in 2024 .
We are optimistic that electricity availability is no longer a binding constraint on mining activity . However , the affordability of electricity is now taking centre stage , affecting the competitiveness and profitability of the mining sector in South Africa .
References :
1 . Open Cycle Gas Turbine
2 . In December , the EAF ranged from a low of 49.9 % to a high of 62.6 %
Overall , the improved electricity availability in South Africa is a positive development for economic activity heading into 2025 . Along with other forecasters such as the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ), we anticipate that the sustained absence of power cuts will be an important factor behind faster domestic real GDP growth in 2025 .
Mining Indaba – a premier platform for deal-making , investment , and corporate networking for African mining for over 30 years – is cementing its position as the catalyst that ignites positive disruption within the African mining industry . With its 2025 agenda , which demonstrates what is needed to future-proof the African mining industry , the platform is set to deliver another event that will help build a stronger , more resilient sector .
“ We stand at a critical juncture for African mining ,” says Laura Nicholson , head of Content & Strategic Partnerships for Mining Indaba . “ The 2025 theme underscores the urgent need for the sector to proactively address challenges while capitalising on emerging opportunities . This requires bringing together not only decision-makers , investors , and miners , but all key stakeholders from across the value chain , including mining communities and indigenous people , next-generation professionals and downstream buyers
“ Never before have we fully engaged the entire ecosystem of mining , but we are moving forward into a different future , unlike any we ’ ve seen in the mining industry before . Adaptation requires thinking holistically about the entire value chain and connecting with all those directly and indirectly affected by it .”
Africa ’ s time is now Four newly launched key programmes – Disruptive Discussions , Sustainability Series , Technology & Innovation Hub and the Intergovernmental Summit – all showcase discussion themes that support a sustainable future .
More importantly , they reflect the need for Africa to rise as a dominant force within the global landscape . They also reflect how the African mining industry can support the continent ’ s ambition for economic wealth and development .
“ The industrialisation of Africa is contingent on the strong performance of the mining sector – which must ultimately support local mid- and downstream value-addition opportunities for additional mineral beneficiation and ultimately full-scale manufacturing ,” Nicholson continues .
Mining Indaba 2025 has dedicated the third day of the Disruptive Discussions programme to redefining critical minerals – where it will unpack what “ critical minerals ” means in an African context , and look at the key raw materials needed to develop economicpowerhouse countries .
6 • African Mining • February 2025 www . africanmining . co . za