2027 Agenda

It is a widely held view, especially among the continent's political leaders, that beneficiation of minerals is Africa's path to prosperity in the new era of mining growth. Refining and smelting are no longer seen by many as nice-to-haves, but as sure bets for jobs and value creation, justifying actions that force companies to invest in such facilities. But some are starting to question if this approach is wise, let alone feasible. With such industries struggling to survive in even the most advanced economies and with seemingly low job and economic multipliers - is beneficiation a pipe dream, or are Africa's bets for development better placed elsewhere in the mining value chain?

This is the second Grand Debate on the Mining Indaba Main Stage – bringing together thought leaders to candidly and passionately present different perspectives in the spirit of dialogue, learning and stronger partnerships in practice.