Next Generation at Mining Indaba

NextGen Initiatives: Paving the way for Young Leaders

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

With Africa's mining industry increasingly looking for 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 is not only thriving, but doing so in a responsible, sustainable, and dynamic manner.

The Young Leaders Programme: A gateway to leadership and innovation

In partnership with:

One of the initiatives under the NextGen banner is the Young Leaders Programme, a collaboration between Mining Indaba and Brunswick. This programme serves as a unique forum for university students and young professionals to engage with senior leaders from the mining, government, and civil society sectors. By creating these opportunities for dialogue, it helps build a pipeline of talent and fosters the development of essential technical and leadership skills.

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 is free for all students with a valid student card and ID. This is 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

Join Us at Mining Indaba 2026

The premier meeting place for African and global mining leaders, it is all set to be an unmissable experience, shaping the future of African mining. Register your interest today and stay ahead in this dynamic industry!