Name: Mining Indaba
Start: 2026-02-09T10:30:00+02:00
End: 2026-02-12T15:30:00+02:00
Location: CTICC

Yi (Aaron) Chen

GM MMG Kinsevere Mine

Mr. Yi (Aaron) Chen has nearly 20 years of experience in the international mining industry. He has led or participated in greenfield and brownfield mining development projects worth over USD 2 billion in countries such as China, Australia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He has conducted in-depth research on critical metal policies, international mining standards, mine project development and operations, as well as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices. Currently he is the General Manager of MMG Kinsevere Copper Mine in DRC, which employees ~3000 operators and staff, with 60-80kt annal copper production capacity.

2026 Agenda Sessions

China’s investment shift – what it means for African mining projects

China’s approach to investing in Africa’s mining sector is undergoing a quiet transformation from high-profile, state-driven mega deals to more discreet, commercially structured investments led by private companies. This panel explores what this shift means for African governments and junior miners seeking capital. Can Chinese investment play a meaningful role in building regional value chains? What does a "future-proof" partnership with China look like in 2026? And is there real potential for trilateral collaboration between Chinese investors, African operators, and Western DFIs in an era of strategic competition?

Tuesday 10 February 13:15 - 14:00 River Nile Stage (CTICC1 - Ground Floor - Investment Village)