Event Highlights

This year's conference marked a significant shift by placing indigenous peoples and local communities at the forefront of our discussions, acknowledging their vital role in shaping the industry's future.

For the first time, representatives from these groups actively participated in key sessions, offering their perspectives on sustainable and equitable mining practices. Indaba represents a commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and strategic collaboration, aiming to position Africa's mining industry for a resilient and prosperous future.

The conference further addressed the complex geopolitical landscape affecting Africa's mining sector. Discussions emphasized the continent's strategic decisions between engaging with the U.S., under President Trump's protectionist policies, or aligning with the China-led BRICS group. This choice is crucial for Africa's mineral-rich countries as they navigate global mineral demand driven by the energy transition.

Top 10 takeaways: Mining Indaba 2025

African nations are prioritizing the processing of minerals within the continent to retain more value from their resources. Countries like Namibia and Zimbabwe have implemented bans on raw lithium exports to encourage local processing facilities.

While Africa's mining sector continues to attract interest, investors are adopting a selective approach, favouring projects that demonstrate strong ESG compliance. Alternative financing models, such as private equity and royalty agreements, are becoming more prevalent.

The global demand for critical minerals like lithium and cobalt has placed Africa at the centre of geopolitical strategies. The continent is navigating relationships with major powers, including the U.S. and China, to optimize benefits from its mineral wealth.

The mining industry is on the cusp of a digital transformation, incorporating technologies such as artificial intelligence and autonomous machinery to enhance efficiency and safety. This shift necessitates workforce upskilling and regulatory adaptations.

Inadequate infrastructure remains a significant barrier to mining operations. Initiatives like the Lobito Corridor railway aim to improve transport links, facilitating more efficient mineral exports.

Recognizing the importance of local communities, mining companies are focusing on building trust and ensuring that mining activities contribute positively to local development.

There is a reinforced commitment to environmental stewardship, with discussions on integrating responsible practices throughout the mining value chain.

Programs like the Young Leaders Programme highlighted the need for attracting and nurturing new talent in the mining sector to drive future innovation and leadership.

Efforts are underway to streamline permitting processes and create a more investor-friendly environment through regulatory reforms.

The conference underscored the importance of partnerships between governments, private sector, and communities to address challenges and harness opportunities in the mining sector.

Caroline Donally Managing Partner of Sprott Streaming and Royalty

“Investors want to be sure that if they invest today, the same legislation will be in place tomorrow, with the same environmental, royalties, and human-capital requirements. Investors don’t want a free ride. They just want the certainty that things won’t change dramatically.”

Marna Cloete President of Ivanhoe Mines

“Our continent has a massive mineral endowment, in huge demand for the energy transition and for technology. But the question is whether we can maximize this opportunity.”

Martina Biene Chairperson and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Africa

“There is huge demand to purchase more from Africa – not only in the form of raw commodities but in the form of processed material to supply downstream markets. It offers a world of possibilities for Africa to add local value, but it also offers environmental benefits. If we can create product closer to source, that minimizes carbon emissions.”

Gwede Mantashe South Africa's Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources

“Africa is the world’s richest mining jurisdiction, possessing at least 90% of the world’s chromium and platinum, 40% of the world’s gold, and the largest reserves of the world’s cobalt, vanadium, manganese, and uranium. Despite having these abundant mineral resources, Africa remains poor, and this must change.”

Duncan Wanblad CEO of Anglo American

“Mining is more than just an industry: it is at the heart of economic growth; it enables innovation and some extraordinary technologies in the world around us; and it is essential to sustainable development.”

Frans Baleni Executive Board Chairman of Investing in African Mining Indaba

“Our journey towards a prosperous future on relies on our ability to collaborate and innovate, ensuring that the wealth beneath our feet translates into tangible benefits for all Africans.”

Albert Muchanga Commissioner at the African Union Commission

“We must break the cycle of exporting our minerals only to import them back as finished products. It’s time to build our industrial capacity and keep the value within our borders.”

Anna Krutikov Head of Sustainable Development at Glencore

“Implementing sustainable practices is not just about compliance; it’s about ensuring the long-term viability of our operations and the well-being of the communities we operate in.”

Ada Thela Founder & Managing Director of Zoe Diamonds

“Empowering local communities is not just a responsibility but a pathway to sustainable success in mining.”

Themba Mkhwanazi Regional Director for Africa and Australia at Anglo American

“Investing in infrastructure and developing local processing capabilities are vital steps toward ensuring that the benefits of Africa’s mineral wealth are realized within the continent.”

Who attended Mining Indaba 2025

From CEOs to game-changers: see who filled the room in 2025.

AUDIENCE BREAKDOWN COMPANIES ATTENDED

Programme, Speakers & Ministerial Presence

2025 Content Agenda

Discover what topics were discussed at Mining Indaba 2025. DISCOVER THE 2025 AGENDA

2025 Speakers

Explore who spoke at Mining Indaba 2025. EXPLORE THE SPEAKER LIST

2025 Ministers Attended

Explore the government presence at Mining Indaba 2025. GOVERNMENT PRESENCE

Key Highlights

Dealmakers Den

Reigniting the Battlefield for Africa’s next mining giants, Mining Indaba 2025 saw The Dealmakers Den come to life. Discover Dealmakers Den

Investment Village

The Investment Village at Mining Indaba 2025 was the ultimate hub for investors and mining companies to connect, learn, and grow in the mining industry. Discover Investment Village

Critical Minerals

In 2025, the event addressed a pivotal question not many dare to ask: “What minerals are critical for Africa, and why?” As a continent rich in resources, the minerals essential to building Africa’s economic wealth and prosperity surpass the global definition. Explore Theme

Community

In 2025, Mining Indaba, for the first time, recognised and acknowledged one of the African mining sector’s most important stakeholder groups – mining communities, civil society, and indigenous people. Explore Theme

Next Gen

At Mining Indaba 2025, NextGen initiatives were designed to empower young minds by fostering collaboration, mentorship, and interaction between industry stakeholders, young professionals, and higher education institutions. This platform offered the tools, skills, and knowledge needed for the next generation to thrive and innovate in the mining sector. Discover NextGen

Announcing the theme for Mining Indaba 2026

“Stronger together: Progress through partnerships”

The growth of mining in Africa, across the entire ecosystem, thrives on collaboration – where governments, businesses, investors, communities, and innovators must unite. In doing so we can work collectively towards a common goal – building a stronger industry and continent, together by harnessing the power of building a strong mining value chain.

Discover key theme

Join Us at Mining Indaba 2026

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