Meet the Minds Shaping Mining Indaba 2027
The theme ‘Stronger together: Progress through partnerships’ is a call to reimagine partnerships in Africa’s journey towards minerals for inclusive prosperity – not as tools of convenience, but as instruments of collective empowerment. It’s a reminder that Africa’s transformation through minerals, can only be achieved when we all – especially women, youth, marginalised communities, artisanal and small-scale miners, governments, industry, civil society, academia, cooperating partners – sit at the table as equal partners. It means forging alliances that centre equity, amplify African voices, and ensure our continent’s mineral wealth transforms lives – not in isolation, but through unity, equity, and shared purpose. Through bold partnerships and a commitment to equity, we can rewrite the story of our mineral wealth – not as a curse, but as a catalyst for justice, prosperity, and dignity for all Africans. Stronger together, we rise!
Dr Marit Kitaw
Mining Indaba has evolved into far more than an annual gathering of industry stakeholders. It is now a results driven platform where governments, investors, mining companies, communities and young leaders come together to drive real partnerships and measurable outcomes. Stronger Together Partnerships in Practice reflects the industry’s collective responsibility to build a mining sector that delivers growth, infrastructure and inclusive opportunity.
Frans Baleni
Stronger together: Progress through partnerships” means uniting governments, private sector, communities, and civil society in a powerful and enduring partnership that will transform mining into a shared triumph for Africa's future.
Kwasi Ampofo
We can no longer operate as before. Neither bulk exports of unrefined ore or export bans are durable solutions. Rather, the industry has to pivot toward practices that provide more value and technology transfer in African nations. This transition will be aided by the introduction of more nimble and economically viable refining technologies and the provision of supportive infrastructure undertaken via public private partnerships.
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Critical & Strategic Minerals
The African narrative
MI27 reframes the critical minerals conversation through an African lens. The theme explores partnerships, investment and governance needed to unlock mineral potential, support industrialisation and strengthen Africa’s role in global supply chains.
Disruptive Technologies
Breaking technology boundaries
This theme explores how AI, automation and emerging technologies are transforming mining. Discussions focus on improving efficiency, sustainability, safety and profitability while building smarter, more resilient operations.
Energy
Users & enablers
MI27 examines how mining and energy partnerships can support reliable, sustainable energy systems. The theme focuses on industrial growth, economic development and future-focused energy solutions across Africa.
Exploration
Unlocking the next generation of mineral discovery
Africa remains a leading frontier for mineral discovery. This theme explores how technology-enabled exploration can accelerate discoveries, strengthen project pipelines and reduce investment risk in a changing global market.
Geopolitics
Minerals at the centre of a changing world
As competition for mineral supply chains intensifies, Africa’s resources are becoming increasingly strategic. MI27 explores how African nations can strengthen partnerships, increase negotiating power and maximise long-term benefits.
Governance & Policy
Shared vision, shared goals
This theme explores how stable, transparent and forward-looking regulations can attract investment, strengthen competitiveness and ensure mineral wealth supports long-term development.
Industrialisation
Creating value addition through industry
MI27 highlights the shift from raw exports toward local value addition and industrial growth. Discussions focus on strengthening processing capacity, supply chains and workforce skills across Africa.
Infrastructure
Strengthening the pillar of progress
Infrastructure is key to unlocking Africa’s mineral potential. This theme focuses on investment in transport, power, water and digital networks that support mining growth and regional integration.
Investment
Partnering for profit
MI27 explores how investment partnerships, financing solutions and shared infrastructure projects can unlock mineral resources, improve efficiency and strengthen Africa’s mining competitiveness.
Leadership
The power of positive changemakers
This theme highlights leaders driving resilience, collaboration and innovation across mining. Discussions focus on strategies that support growth, transformation and global competitiveness.
Sustainability
Mining with purpose: Strengthen ecosystems & societies
As mineral demand grows, responsible mining practices are increasingly important. This theme explores renewable energy, water conservation, ethical labour and environmental stewardship to support sustainable industry growth.
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