Ntokozo Nzimande
DDG DMRE
With 24 years of experience in South Africa's mining and energy sectors, Ntokozo currently serves as Deputy Director-General at the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE). She holds an Honours degree in Geography and Environmental Management, an LLB Degree, and is in the process of completing a Master’s degree in Energy Leadership at the Wits Business School. In addition to their governmental role, Ntokozo serves as a board member at Mintek, a state-owned metallurgy entity under the DMRE, and as a board member at Hyve, the UK-based owner of the Mining Indaba, a premier event with 8,500 mining investors and three decades of influence in the industry. Her past board memberships include the Council for GeoScience, the State Diamond Trader, the DTIC's Industrialists Advisory Panel to the Minister of the DTIC, and the Benguela Current Commission, a collaborative environmental body with South Africa, Angola, and Namibia. As a co-author of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) and numerous other mining and energy-related policies, Ntokozo has played a key role in shaping South Africa's legal framework for these sectors, contributing to the balance between resource development, environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Recently successfully drafted and presented to Parliament the Amended Electricity regulation Amendment Act (ERA) which will enable the liberalisation of the electricity market in South Africa and the first ever Petroleum Resources Development Bill (UPRDB) in South Africa. The ERA Bill was signed into law by President in August this year while the UPRDB awaits Presidential assent. She is currently leading a team that is reviewing the MPRDA to strengthen transformation agenda in the mining sector.
2025 Agenda Sessions
Future-Proofing African mining today - Uncovering the Top 5 elements for success
- The government factor: A landscape that offers investment-friendly options for increased infrastructure development spend, improved permitting processes and downstream value-addition is the dream. Can it be turned Into reality?
- The investment factor: Future demand for metals has never looked brighter, but are investors willing to provide the required capital at every stage of the mining life cycle?
- The community factor: Mining means job creation and economic opportunities, but is that enough to win the support of local communities for new projects?
- The talent factor: Artificial intelligence holds the future to technology adoption in mining - is tomorrow's mining generation prepared at a tertiary education level for this, and what does their integration with the existing workforce look like?
- The market factor: Are downstream buyers ready to play their part, including buying critical minerals from “risky” jurisdictions?”
Monday 03 February 16:25 - 17:20 CTICC1
Disruptive Discussions
- The government factor: A landscape that offers investment-friendly options for increased infrastructure development spend, improved permitting processes and downstream value-addition is the dream. Can it be turned Into reality?
- The investment factor: Future demand for metals has never looked brighter, but are investors willing to provide the required capital at every stage of the mining life cycle?
- The community factor: Mining means job creation and economic opportunities, but is that enough to win the support of local communities for new projects?
- The talent factor: Artificial intelligence holds the future to technology adoption in mining - is tomorrow's mining generation prepared at a tertiary education level for this, and what does their integration with the existing workforce look like?
- The market factor: Are downstream buyers ready to play their part, including buying critical minerals from “risky” jurisdictions?”
Is policy a blocker to technology and innovation?
- What is the importance of government policies in supporting technological innovation?
- Why is policy not keeping pace with the rate of technological advancement?
- Can collaboration between governments, businesses, and academia to drive technological advancements.
Tuesday 04 February 10:00 - 10:45 CTICC1
Tech & Innovation Hub
- What is the importance of government policies in supporting technological innovation?
- Why is policy not keeping pace with the rate of technological advancement?
- Can collaboration between governments, businesses, and academia to drive technological advancements.