David Sturmes-Verbeek
Co-Founder The Impact Facility
David Sturmes-Verbeek is an independent expert on responsible mineral sourcing and ASM–LSM integration, and a member of the Mining Indaba Advisory Board. He works at the intersection of industry, government, and multi-stakeholder initiatives to address one of the sector’s most persistent challenges: how to integrate artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) into formal mineral economies in a way that is commercially viable, transparent, and conflict-sensitive. With almost a decade of field and research experience across East, Central, and West Africa, David advises on ASM–LSM coexistence strategies, responsible sourcing frameworks, and the professionalisation of ASM supply chains, including traceability, due diligence, compliance, and access to formal markets and finance. His work spans ASM gold, copper-cobalt, and diamonds, and is grounded in operational realities at mine and community level. David is an experienced auditor and technical advisor, having supported refiners, aggregators, and downstream companies in aligning with OECD Due Diligence Guidance, RMI, and LBMA standards. He previously co-founded The Impact Facility and the Fair Cobalt Alliance, contributing to collaborative approaches to managing sourcing risk in complex operating environments. He also serves on the advisory board of Mining 2030 and regularly contributes to global dialogues on responsible mining and supply-chain integrity.
2026 Agenda Sessions
‘Cobalt’: an immersive, community-centred social experiment
(Organised by the European Partnership for Responsible Minerals (EPRM) in close collaboration with the Collectif Cobalt.)
After Brussels, Lubumbashi and Paris, this unique experience arrives in Cape Town bringing a rare opportunity to Mining Indaba 2026, where participant are invited to learn with and from one another.
‘Cobalt’ is an interactive, participatory social experiment that blends fact and fiction to highlight the lived realities of mining and mining communities. Through role-playing, participants step into the shoes of diverse stakeholders—from community members and workers to company representatives and decision-makers—experiencing firsthand the tensions, challenges, and shared responsibilities that shape the mineral value chain.
At its heart, the experience shines a light on local dynamics and community experiences. It invites participants to build empathy, listen deeply, and engage in open dialogue about how mining impacts people and places. The session encourages collective reflection on what responsible practices can look like when all voices—especially those closest to mining sites—are heard and valued.
By broadening perspectives and fostering inclusive conversation, ‘Cobalt’ helps participants explore how genuine collaboration across communities, companies, and governments can drive meaningful change in the sector.
Step into this immersive space and be part of a shared journey toward more responsible mining!
Monday 09 February 15:30 - 17:00 Okavango Delta Stage (CTICC2 - Level 1)
After Brussels, Lubumbashi and Paris, this unique experience arrives in Cape Town bringing a rare opportunity to Mining Indaba 2026, where participant are invited to learn with and from one another.
‘Cobalt’ is an interactive, participatory social experiment that blends fact and fiction to highlight the lived realities of mining and mining communities. Through role-playing, participants step into the shoes of diverse stakeholders—from community members and workers to company representatives and decision-makers—experiencing firsthand the tensions, challenges, and shared responsibilities that shape the mineral value chain.
At its heart, the experience shines a light on local dynamics and community experiences. It invites participants to build empathy, listen deeply, and engage in open dialogue about how mining impacts people and places. The session encourages collective reflection on what responsible practices can look like when all voices—especially those closest to mining sites—are heard and valued.
By broadening perspectives and fostering inclusive conversation, ‘Cobalt’ helps participants explore how genuine collaboration across communities, companies, and governments can drive meaningful change in the sector.
Step into this immersive space and be part of a shared journey toward more responsible mining! Okavango Delta Stage (CTICC2 - Level 1) Africa/Johannesburg
Mining investment for Shared Prosperity
Mining companies are under growing pressure to deliver value not only to shareholders but also to the communities where they operate. Innovative financing models are emerging around the globe, from revenue-sharing agreements and blended finance partnerships to community bonds and equity stakes. This session will explore how miners, investors, and governments can reframe community engagement as an investment strategy rather than a compliance exercise.
Tuesday 10 February 11:00 - 11:45 River Nile Stage (CTICC1 - Ground Floor - Investment Village)
Communities and indigenous people
Investment
Mining companies are under growing pressure to deliver value not only to shareholders but also to the communities where they operate. Innovative financing models are emerging around the globe, from revenue-sharing agreements and blended finance partnerships to community bonds and equity stakes. This session will explore how miners, investors, and governments can reframe community engagement as an investment strategy rather than a compliance exercise.
River Nile Stage (CTICC1 - Ground Floor - Investment Village) Africa/Johannesburg








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