This content is presented by Mining Indaba
This year, we are excited to celebrate our 31st anniversary, and Mining Indaba is undergoing a significant transformation. MI25 marks the onset of a crucial era that recognizes the distinct characteristics and inherent rights of mining communities and indigenous populations, bringing them to the forefront of the mining narrative. This important shift aligns with our vision, underscoring that the African mining industry is at a pivotal crossroads: “Mining Indaba can and will facilitate this transformation and challenge conventional practices… helping to transition towards a promising future through constructive and innovative dialogue.”
MI25 goes beyond mere inclusivity; it represents a substantial shift in the discourse surrounding mining. We are moving past the traditional stakeholder model to elevate the voices of those most affected by mining – the workers, local residents, and migrant laborers who form the backbone of this industry.
Valuing the traditional custodians
Crucially, we are amplifying the voices of indigenous peoples who have ancestral ties to the land, which is foundational to the minerals that drive our industry. We are acknowledging the traditional leaders who serve as guardians of these invaluable resources.
The presence of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San leaders, the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA), and numerous other community organizations at MI25 is not just welcomed, but transformative. Their participation highlights their essential role in shaping the future of mining in Africa.
This year, we are introducing the “Communities Interactive Workshop,” which will act as a dedicated forum for genuine engagement. Rather than becoming a venue for corporate jargon, this workshop will serve as a collaborative space where mining companies, community leaders, strategic stakeholders, and various representatives can work together to devise solutions. We will directly tackle pressing issues, fostering constructive dialogue and collaborative problem-solving to ensure a sustainable future for African mining starts today.
This focus on community engagement is not just a commendable goal; it is essential for sustainable development. David Sturmes-Verbeek, co-founder and director of partnerships & innovation at The Impact Facility and a member of the African Mining Indaba Advisory Committee on Sustainability, poignantly stated in a recent op-ed: “Mining… involves negotiation and risk… it is crucial that local communities are engaged, educated, and empowered to negotiate terms at every phase of the mining cycle.”
He also emphasizes the “Communities competition,” designed to discover and reward innovative strategies that enhance community benefits from mining activities. This motivating competition centers on tangible outcomes such as skills development, local procurement, and sustainable enterprise growth, illustrating a concrete commitment to empowering communities while ensuring they genuinely benefit from resource extraction. By showcasing and rewarding exemplary practices, the competition seeks to inspire industry-wide change and create a more equitable and sustainable future for mining communities across Africa.
This commitment resonates with the South African government’s objectives. A Cabinet statement dated December 6, 2024, highlights the urgent importance of engaging with traditional leadership and addressing rural community concerns. The ongoing collaboration with the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San leaders, coordinated by the Inter-Ministerial Task Team led by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, clearly evidences a commitment to ensuring these communities not only have their voices heard but that actions are taken based on their input.
Mining can embrace a new framework
The African mining sector is at a crucial junction. We can either hold on to outdated models that prioritize immediate profits over long-term viability or adopt a new framework that promotes cooperation and recognizes the intrinsic rights and essential roles of mining communities and indigenous peoples. MI25 is a call to action for the entire industry to rally together and take on a more inclusive and equitable approach, empowering local communities and ensuring fair distribution of mining benefits.
The Mining Indaba platform focuses on unlocking the transformative potential of mining to promote sustainable development and create shared prosperity. It acknowledges that mining communities are not merely passive beneficiaries; they are active partners in development, custodians of the land, and holders of invaluable traditional wisdom.
MI25 is more than an event; it’s a movement. It’s a movement towards a future where mining serves as a force for good, a driver of positive change, and a means of empowerment for communities and future generations. Join us at MI25 and be part of this historic transformation. Together, let’s shape a future where mining uplifts, enriches, and sustains.
The Investing in African Mining Indaba will be held from February 3-6, 2025, at CTICC, Cape Town. For more information, visit www.miningindaba.com
