COMMENT •
Sharyn Macnamara – Senior writer • sharyn @ interactmedia . co . za
FINDING POSITIVE POWER IN DISRUPTION
In Africa , and at home in South Africa specifically , mining is sorely in need of investment for exploration , which has been lagging for years now – ironically , in a continent rich in the critical minerals required for the non-negotiable global energy transition . With the Investing in African Mining Indaba returning to Cape Town , South Africa , from 5 – 8 February 2024 – the continent looks forward to new possibilities .
In celebration of Mining Indaba ’ s 30th anniversary , its programmes have taken on a new direction and purpose with the aim of marking the milestone . The 2024 theme , “ Embracing the power of positive disruption : A bold new future for African mining ” represents this objective , outlining the need for Africa ’ s mining industry to embrace change in order to become a meaningful global competitor as key minerals are required to drive a sustainable future .
Mining Indaba is aiming to disrupt traditional thinking around processes and discourse to explore what the African mining industry truly needs to resolve challenges . Technology is a great lever in achieving a better future , but so are innovative ideas and thoughts around changing conventional approaches to mining 1 .
Our January Indaba Outlook 2024 issue is therefore brimming with thought leadership articles : SRK Consulting looks at the continued integration of ESG priorities into operations in 2024 with responsible sourcing and artisanal mining in mind , while Philip Coetzer , Head : SHER at Impala Bafokeng delves into maintaining a resilient safety system in the face of ever-changing dynamics to reach industry targets of ZERO HARM . Dr Nicolaas Steenkamp notes that optimism in Africa lies in the fact that the ‘ Energy Big Six ’ present great investment opportunities , despite challenging mining jurisdictions . The continent ’ s immense mineral wealth has long positioned it as a centrepiece in the global mining narrative and local South African industry clusters MEMSA and SAMPEC showcase how the impact of the global energy transition and affiliated ESG disruptors are driving local mining tech innovation and solutions . Ralf Hennecke , MD , BME reflects on the considerable contribution being made to the future of mining in Africa through the rapid evolution of explosives and blasting technologies . As we advance further into the era of smart and sustainable mining practices , this confluence of technological , environmental and societal factors demands a paradigm shift , says Wits Mining Institute director Professor Glen Nwaila as he focuses on key drivers reshaping Africa ' s mining sector from lessons learned in academia and minerals industry leaders .
Amid this global warming crisis and all the additional extensive economic disruptions , mines have evolved their strategies and have moved “ beyond the definition of modern mining ”. Taking the opportunity presented in crisis , miners ’ responsibilities have never been greater as “ a force good ,” says Neal Froneman , CEO of Sibanye- Stillwater . As mines evolve in their function in the economies and communities they have a bearing on , the positive governmentbusiness collaboration in the SA mining sector specifically , boosts confidence to ultimately encourage investment , says Shaun Vorster , business development at Mazars in South Africa .
Africa has much to look forward to in 2024 ! African Mining , incorporating Mining Mirror will be at the Mining Indaba to connect with stakeholders and share more insights with our readers .
Technology is a great lever in achieving a better future , but so are innovative ideas and thoughts around changing conventional approaches to mining .
Mining Indaba consists of five days , including the Ministerial Symposium on Sunday , where all stakeholders – including governments , private sector , investors and service providers – gather to network and exchange ideas to propel business and the industry forward .
The largest-ever Mining Indaba programme will include the following concurrent content streams :
• Presidential addresses ( Angola President confirmed )
• The Ministerial Symposium
• Intergovernmental Summit ( three-day programme )
• Disruptive discussions ( three-day programme )
• Sustainability Series ( two-day programme )
• Investor Series ( three-day programme of investor-specific content )
• Technology and Innovation Hub ( two-day programme )
• Junior Miners ( one-day programme )
• Industry Intel ( three-day programme )
• Young Leaders Programme ( one-day programme )
• GC Forum ( one-day programme ) •
References :
1 . Investing in African Mining 2024 media release by - Laura Cornish , head of Content .
www . africanmining . co . za African Mining Publication African Mining African Mining • January 2024 • 3