
Kian Smith's pioneering spirit has positioned them at the forefront of downstream beneficiation, adding significant value to the African mining sector.
Nere shares the driving forces behind this ambitious undertaking, revealing the motivation that fueled their pursuit of this milestone. She candidly addresses the significant challenges encountered during the refinery's construction and the ongoing operational hurdles they navigate.
We explore the critical importance of downstream beneficiation and value addition for the growth of African businesses, and Nere offers her perspective on how mines and smelters/refineries can foster greater collaboration for mutual benefit.
Looking ahead, she shares her vision for the future of African mining, highlighting what she believes is essential to future-proof the industry and ensure its sustainable growth.

A growing number of mineral-producing governments are acquiring assets, activating marketing rights and building institutions that can intervene across the value chain.

Exxaro is set to exit its only offshore asset through a two-step transaction that will see it acquire Anglo American’s remaining stake in the Moranbah South coking coal project before selling the entire asset to Stanmore Resources for $105 million.

Lindian Resources is seeking to build a vertically integrated rare earth supply chain stretching from its Kangankunde project in Malawi through processing facilities in Kazakhstan to downstream markets in Europe, highlighting the increasingly complex geopolitics reshaping critical minerals.