Next Generation at Mining Indaba

NextGen: Shaping the future of Africa

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. The Mining Indaba 2026 theme, “Stronger Together: Progress Through Partnerships,” calls for a united front to drive transformation across Africa’s mining sector.

As Africa's mining industry increasingly seeks sustainable solutions, the young leaders of today will be the driving force behind the region's economic growth and development. By nurturing their talent and providing them with the necessary resources, we can ensure that the African mining sector not only thrives but also does so in a responsible, sustainable, and dynamic manner.

Interested in taking part in 2026? Register your interest today and receive the latest event updates.

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MI26 Influencers: A Movement of Progress

Mining Indaba launched its first-ever MI26 Influencer Campaign — a bold and purpose-driven initiative designed to amplify authentic voices shaping the future of mining in Africa. Rooted in the belief that storytelling drives transformation, this campaign aims to bridge the gap between the mining industry and younger, tech-savvy audiences by showcasing stories of innovation, sustainability, and impact across the mining value chain.

The MI26 Influencer Campaign is a strategic extension of Mining Indaba 2026’s theme: “Stronger Together: Progress Through Partnerships.” By collaborating with influential mining professionals and changemakers, the initiative brings visibility to the often-overlooked human stories behind mining, particularly those of women, youth, and emerging community leaders.

Through this movement, Mining Indaba is no longer just speaking about young people — it’s speaking with them. This is a platform for real dialogue, real stories, and real change - It is a movement of progress.

With momentum building ahead of Mining Indaba 2026, the MI26 Influencer Campaign represents a shift in how the sector builds trust, drives relevance, and empowers the future leaders of African mining. One built on the belief that when industry giants and emerging voices come together, true transformation is not only possible, but also unstoppable.

Meet the Minds Shaping Mining Indaba 2026

Nomvula Mahlangu

Mining Engineer

AfriMine Projects & Relations

Katlego Letsoalo

Macro and Commodity Outlook Manager

Valterra Platinum

Kudakwashe Chikovo

Founder

Earthsafe MineTrace Mastercard Foundation

Murendeni Makhado

Corporate Water Specialist

Implats

Lindokuhle Zwane

GBVF Project Coordinator

Minerals Council South Africa

Spotlight Sessions for Young Leaders

Monday 09 February 16:00 - 17:00

Tech is ready – is your workforce?

One of the biggest stumbling blocks in mining’s digital transformation isn’t the technology, it’s training the workforce to use the technology. As advanced technology systems become more prevalent, the need for robust training and cultural adaptation grows more urgent. This session explores how companies are tackling the skills gap head-on and also examines the next training frontier: agentic AI. Join this session to unpack how training, cultural transformation, and OEM-led innovation are converging to make mining smarter, safer, and more human-centred.

Tuesday 10 February 09:00 - 10:20

Reimagining mining partnerships through empathy

Step into the “veil of ignorance” – an experiment CEOs speakers temporarily shed their identities and biases to adopt the roles of other stakeholders in the mining ecosystem.

From community leaders and regulators to industry bodies and investors, each CEO will embody a perspective not their own, challenging assumptions and fostering deeper understanding.

Through moderated dialogue and immersive role-play, the session will explore:

How decisions might shift if stakeholders were unaware of their own position or power
What true partnership looks like when empathy precedes strategy
How this exercise can inform more inclusive policy, investment, and operational frameworks

Tuesday 10 February 10:20 - 11:05

Africa is a winner from current geopolitical disruption

Conventional wisdom suggests that Africa is negatively impacted by the current geopolitical forces. Tariffs, immigration curbs, reduced development funding and a more nationalist agenda in traditional allies are risks to Africa's growth, particularly in minerals. But could the opposite be true? Could the geopolitical (dis)order have more upside than downside for the continent, through for instance - new investment and trade routes, extra focus on intra-Africa trade, and a push for local beneficiation and industrialisation?

This debate will see two teams argue the case in opposite directions relating to Africa's place in the current geopolitical order. The views they express may not represent their personal or organisational view, but they assume the side they've been given so we can benefit from a diversity of perspectives.

Tuesday 10 February 15:50 - 16:50

Reserved Session - CSIR

Wednesday 11 February 16:10 - 17:10

AI-based optimisation of exploration, mining and mineral processing

This conversation begins with a look at AI-based prospect generation, where algorithms are now capable of synthesising geological data with economic viability, environmental constraints, and social impact models to identify targets that are not only rich in minerals but also feasible and responsible to develop.

View full agenda

2025 Highlights

Young Leaders Programme

At Mining Indaba 2025, the Young Leaders Programme focused on empowering young leaders by equipping them with:

Technical skills in mining operations.
Leadership qualities to navigate the industry’s challenges
Knowledge of sustainable practices that are reshaping the sector

Young leaders could showcase their perspectives on some of the most pressing issues in African mining, sparking discussions that will shape the future of the industry.

Exclusively for students, graduates, and young professionals under 30, the event on Thursday, 6 February 2025 was free for all students with a valid student card and ID. This was an excellent opportunity for those interested in pursuing careers in mining to interact with industry leaders.

View 2025 Agenda

PhD Speakers Taking the Stage: Fresh ideas, bold perspectives

In an exciting development for 2025, Mining Indaba made history by featuring PhD students as speakers at the conference. These students were part of key discussions such as Tech & Innovation Hub, Sustainability Series, Disruptive Discussions and Intergovernmental Summit programmes. By involving PhD students in shaping industry conversations, Mining Indaba ensured that the next generation's innovative ideas are heard.

These emerging scholars brought new insights and fresh perspectives, offering potential game-changing solutions that could challenge traditional narratives in the mining industry. As they took center stage, their contributions undoubtedly sparked meaningful discussions and inspire transformative change.

Future Leaders: Building connections for transformation

Another key initiative under the NextGen umbrella is the Future Leaders Programme. In partnership with the University of Cape Town’s LEAD Programme, the Future Leaders Initiative connects young professionals with CEOs, government officials, and industry experts. Now in its second year, this initiative highlights the brightest minds in the sector and ensures they are included in critical conversations on the future of Africa’s mining industry.

The programme provides an exclusive platform for LEAD participants to engage directly with industry leaders, offering a unique opportunity to gain firsthand insights into the decision-making processes that will drive the future of mining in Africa. By empowering these future leaders, we aim to equip them with the skills, networks, and knowledge necessary to lead the mining industry towards sustainable growth and transformation. Find out more

Testimonials

Prof Nikki Wagner DSTI-NRF CIMERA

“The sizes of the Disruptive and Sustainability venues were really good, the sound was great. It was handy having then adjacent. The ease of moving around MI25 has greatly improved (and ensured we reached our daily step target ;) ).”

Peace Zowa University of the Witwatersrand

“Creating spaces like this for young professionals to engage, learn, and share perspectives is invaluable in ensuring a stronger, more inclusive mining future.”

Khetani Tom Ramphabana University of Venda

“Speaking at Mining Indaba was the highlight of my experience, I got to learn and speak to a crowd of highly experienced people which instilled more confidence in me for future opportunities. I was happy to see people from different countries and jobs coming together. Ministers, business leaders, investors, and experts shared their knowledge and ideas for the future. Our conversations were meaningful and looked to the future of Africa.”

Phumudzo Munyai University of Venda

“This experience was invaluable, and I'm deeply thankful for the trust you placed in me. This opened doors of collaborations with many institutions and companies.”

Thabo Kgarabjang University of Limpopo

“The Mining Indaba 2025 lived up to its promise of engaging topics, extensive networking opportunities, and discussions that continue to shape the mining landscape. It is such a great opportunity to connect with potential employers, collaborators, and mentors alike. I have met with and exchanged contacts with some of the most prominent figures the mining industry has to give. Some approached me after the discussion to ask for contact details with prospects of future collaborations. In short, the event was a resounding success.”

Ronaldo Malapane University of Limpopo

“Overall, the Mining Indaba was filled with rollercoasters of joy, experience and insights on challenging topics involving the mining industry and the importance of research. Collaborations, research and engagement are key for the future if the industry of Africa is to have impact in the just energy transition.”

Merrily Tau University of Cape Town

“The great selection of stimulating and thought-provoking panel discussions, presentations, workshops, and exhibitions, which run concurrently, got me very conflicted as to how I spend my time. Very difficult decisions were made; I never wished I could be present at multiple places at the same time so badly! The platform also presents one with a rare and unmatched opportunity to network and mingle with industry leaders.”

Nthabeleng Ramotholo University of Kwazulu-Natal

“The exposure and networking opportunities with such a diverse range of industry and government representatives were invaluable, and I know this experience will significantly boost my professional profile.”

Join Us at Mining Indaba 2026

Young Professionals

Who qualifies:

Students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals (under 30 or with less than 5 years’ experience) in mining or related fields, including law, finance, HR, environmental services, and other consultancy sectors connected to the industry. Must register using .edu or professional email and provide proof of status.