The time has come for Africa to assert its dominance in the world of critical minerals, and Mining Indaba will be the catalyst for this transformation.
Globally, critical minerals are defined by their necessity in ensuring a just energy transition. However, within the African context, the scope of critical minerals extends far beyond this definition. For the first time in Mining Indaba's history, the event will challenge and disrupt the conventional positioning and framing of critical minerals.
In 2025, the event will address 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.
Some of the 'non-core' critical minerals we'll be discussing
Gold A cornerstone in Africa’s employment landscape, both directly and indirectly.
Bauxite Key to developing the downstream aluminium industry.
Manganese and Iron Ore Integral to the steel industry and the construction of new infrastructure.
Coal Still vital for electricity generation.
Potash/Phosphates Crucial for fertilizer production, essential for growing Africa’s agricultural sector and feeding its burgeoning populations.
About Disruptive Discussions
On Wednesday, Mining Indaba’s Disruptive Discussions programme will shine a spotlight on the minerals vital to revolutionising the African continent and positioning it on the global competitive stage.This initiative will bring African governments and industry representatives together to collaborate on the best strategies for achieving this transformation.
What we'll discuss
The programme will delve into not only the minerals necessary for this shift but also how they can add local value through downstream opportunities.
The discussions will also cover minerals key to the Just Energy Transition, emphasising their importance to Africa’s green energy shift and the global transition. Lithium, graphite, copper, rare earths, and PGMs will feature prominently in these broader conversations.
By addressing the critical challenges of exploring, developing, and operating mines across the mineral spectrum, and by presenting strategic solutions, Mining Indaba aims to redefine the conversation around critical minerals from mere extraction to one of economic empowerment, job creation, and sustainable growth.
View the agenda
Leader Spotlight – Ivanhoe Mines
Part of the Redefining Critical Minerals programme (hosted as part of the Disruptive Discussions agenda on Wednesday)
Hear from one of Africa’s pioneering leaders of change as they share their vision, and actions, for future-proofing Africa’s mining sector
Lithium and graphite: What Is Africa's true potential for filling the long-term EV battery gap? And, how can industry support downstream battery manufacturing opportunities in-country?
Part of the Redefining Critical Minerals programme (hosted as part of the Disruptive Discussions agenda on Wednesday)
- What is needed to expedite the introduction of new lithium and graphite mines in Africa?
- How big is Africa's lithium and graphite potential exactly?
- Responsible sourcing - the make or break for these critical minerals?
- The government question - how to balance the profit scale between global supply of raw materials and downstream value-addition
- Lessons learned - advice from Africa's current producers
Gold: A lucrative commodity still driving economic wealth and resilience through large-scale and widespread employment
Part of the Redefining Critical Minerals programme (hosted as part of the Disruptive Discussions agenda on Wednesday)
- Gold, still Africa's largest commodity by production volumes, still Africa's largest mining-related employer
- Economic wealth, gold the bedrock of many African economies
- Refining - is there scope for the addition of new facilities in Africa?
Manganese: Still an unspoken critical mineral?
Part of the Redefining Critical Minerals programme (hosted as part of the Disruptive Discussions agenda on Wednesday)
- South Africa's manganese production - when does EV supply become a reality?
- Emerging African manganese miners - key to building steel Africa's steel infrastructure or the world's batteries, or both?
- Mature operations - taking the lead on community participation for the just energy transition?
- The off-takers view - is there an awareness that manganese is a critical mineral?
- Manganese sulphate for EV batteries - what you need to know about this high purity version of manganese
Potash: Growing crops, feeding Africa's populations
Part of the Redefining Critical Minerals programme (hosted as part of the Disruptive Discussions agenda on Wednesday)
- Feeding Africa's growing population - potash holds the fertilizer key
- Morocco - Africa's potash hub
- Understanding Africa's potash potential - and its impact on developing the continent's agricultural industry
- A great community impactor
PGMs: Can the current suppressed EV market elevate the PGM price doldrum?
Part of the Redefining Critical Minerals programme (hosted as part of the Disruptive Discussions agenda on Wednesday)
- Building local automotive manufacturing facilities - are PGMs a low hanging fruit?
- How to expedite the new hydrogen economy and boost the PGM sector
- Beyond the automotive sector - public transport, aerospace, and the role of PGMs
Iron ore: Green infrastructure catapults Africa into a new era
Part of the Redefining Critical Minerals programme (hosted as part of the Disruptive Discussions agenda on Wednesday)
- Could Africa become the green infrastructure capital of the world?
- What is iron ore's role In achieving this?
- A key driver in delivering true economic wealth and building great and financially strong African nations
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