COMMENT •
Sharon Mdaka – writer • sharon @ interactmedia. co. za
OPTIMISM FOR AFRICA’ S MINING FUTURE
The 2026 Investing in African Mining Indaba showcased just how much optimism there is for Africa’ s mining future, with one message being clear: Africa remains one of the regions with vast untapped minerals.
This optimism comes as the global demand for critical minerals accelerates, which allows the continent to reposition itself within the international mining economy. A spotlight was also placed on partnerships between the private sector and government, while the emphasis on the mining sector’ s contribution to the economy highlighted that the industry continues to support nearly 900 000 jobs and about 3.6 million livelihoods.
However, regulation and operational challenges continue to persist. Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of the Minerals Council South Africa, stated that mining continues to be a powerful multiplier. He said this during their State of the Mining media briefing, emphasising that support for the industry is support towards growing the economy and job creation.
“ The way to grow the mining sector is through investment, which needs a globally competitive regulatory and operating environment. We are heading in the right direction, but we are not there yet,” said Mthenjane.
The Mining Indaba also highlighted the growing role of young professionals in shaping the industry, especially with conversations around decarbonisation, renewable energy, AI and automation now being central to how mining is evolving.
Conversations at the Mining Indaba 2026 also focused on the future of South Africa ' s chrome industry, Kalnisha Singh, development economist and founder of KD Strategies, explores this topic indepth in this issue. She looks at how South Africa is once again debating how to force beneficiation in its mining sector, with the focus being on chrome and the proposed 25 % export tax on raw chrome ore, intended to revive domestic ferrochrome smelting.
Health and safety, exploration, investment and support for junior miners remain essential themes coming out of the Indaba. In this issue, addressing safety challenges faced by miners, we look at the introduction of the new Code of Practice for road and rail safety management under the Mine Health and Safety Act( MHSA) – examining how mines will go about the implementation of this new regulation, especially for junior mining houses, in terms of adherence. leadership shows up:“ How leaders take the moments that matter and bring them out into the organisation, into the field, and how they affect the hearts and minds of people in the organisation,” he said. In practical terms, he explained that it means leaders need to be intentional about getting out into the field, and that this shift needs to go beyond just compliance.
“ Leaders need to learn from people in the field what the risks are that they ' re exposed to, so that they can adequately respond to that. But at the same time, it also means leaders need to use the time in the field effectively, not just to show their leadership, but also to do active listening, to coach, and to build psychological safety in the field,” he noted.
For a quick excursion, African Mining, Incorporating Mining Mirror, took a tour inside Power Process Systems( PPS) facilities as it recently celebrated a 30-year milestone. This visit gave insight into a local manufacturing plant showcasing how disciplined manufacturing, local engineering capabilities and refurbishmentled thinking continue to underpin a mining sector that is under constant pressure to deliver tighter safety compliance and sustained cost control.
All of these conversations are important in moving the industry forward, and we ought to continue the dialogue well beyond conference halls. As much as I am optimistic about the future of mining in Africa, the biggest subject that remains difficult to ignore is how a continent so rich in minerals, partnerships, resilience and human capital still struggles to translate that wealth into broadbased prosperity.
Mining Indaba delivered energy, access and ideas. Now, the real challenge is implementation. How do we convert momentum into tangible outcomes that strengthen Africa’ s mining sector and deliver meaningful impact?
That is the conversation that must continue long after the event. •
Sharon Mdaka
Watch African Mining, Incorporating Mining Mirror, writer Sharon Mdaka in conversation with dss +’ s Jacques Botha.
Staying on health and safety, according to Jacques Botha, principal for leadership and culture at dss +, zero harm starts with how
www. africanmining. co. za African Mining Publication African Mining African Mining • March 2026 • 3