Mining Indaba – the premier platform for deal-making, investment, and corporate
networking for African mining for over 30 years – is cementing its position as the catalyst
that ignites positive disruption within the African mining industry. Having launched its
2025 agenda, which demonstrates what is needed to future-proof the African mining
industry, the platform is set to deliver another event that will help build a stronger, more
resilient sector.
“We stand at a critical juncture for African mining,” says Laura Nicholson, Head of Content
& Strategic Partnerships for Mining Indaba. “The 2025 theme underscores the urgent
need for the sector to proactively address challenges while capitalising on emerging
opportunities. This requires bringing together not only decision-makers, investors, and
miners, but all key stakeholders from across the value chain, including mining
communities and indigenous people, next-generation professionals and downstream
buyers
“Never before have we fully engaged the entire ecosystem of mining, but we are moving
forward into a different future, unlike any we’ve seen in the mining industry before.
Adaption requires thinking holistically about the entire value chain and connecting with all
those directly and indirectly affected by it.”
Africa’s time is now
Four newly launched key programmes – Disruptive Discussions, Sustainability Series,
Technology & Innovation Hub and the Intergovernmental Summit – all showcase
discussion themes that support a sustainable future.
More importantly, they reflect the need for Africa to rise as a dominant force within the
global landscape. They also reflect how the African mining industry can support the
continent’s ambition for economic wealth and development.
“The industrialisation of Africa is contingent on the strong performance of the mining
sector – which must ultimately support local mid- and downstream value-addition
opportunities for additional mineral beneficiation and ultimately full-scale manufacturing,”
Nicholson continues.
Mining Indaba 2025 has dedicated the third day of the Disruptive Discussions programme
to redefining critical minerals – where it will unpack what “critical minerals” means in an
African context, and look at the key raw materials needed to develop economicpowerhouse countries.
Energy-transition minerals are a critical component of this, as they will drive a clean
energy future. But alongside this, aluminium (bauxite), fertiliser (potash/phosphate), coal
and uranium (stable electricity) and steel (iron ore) are all needed to build a continent that
that can be positioned equally alongside its global counterparts. A natural consequence
of this is job creation and skills development – both very much needed across Africa.
The key element that will ultimately drive Africa’s success is infrastructure, in the form of
rail, road, ports and electricity. “While this concept is not new to Africa, it is one of the
pivotal necessities we are yet to fully get right, and this must be resolved with speed,”
Nicholson adds. “A number of new rail and power projects are in study or on the brink of
development, such as the Lobito Corridor, which is already demonstrating how
collaboration – between African countries and also global financial powerhouses – can
drive success.”
For the first time, the event will showcase actionable strategies for building resilient
mineral supply chains, enhancing Africa’s role in global critical minerals production, and
deepening partnerships between governments and the private sector to ensure
responsible resource development.
“We’re not just future-proofing the industry; we’re shaping the future of African
development itself,” Nicholson affirms “Mining is no longer just about extraction – it’s
about value creation across the entire ecosystem. From rare minerals to critical metals,
African mining is driving the innovation, infrastructure, and sustainable economic growth
needed for tomorrow.”
Mining Indaba is widely regarded as the most influential gathering driving investment,
policy development, and technological advancement for African mining. The 2024 edition
saw record participation, attracting around 9 900 attendees, including more than 1 200
investors and 2 000+ executives from mining companies worldwide. Targets for 2025 are
even greater.
As the 2025 edition of Mining Indaba approaches, the focus is clear: empowering Africa’s
mining sector is not only about adapting to a rapidly changing world, but leading it as
well.
• Investing in African Mining Indaba 2025 runs from 3 – 6 February 2025, at the
Cape Town International Conference Centre (CTICC 1 & 2). The event remains the
most comprehensive platform for mining investment, finance, and innovation in Africa.
About the Investing in African Mining Indaba
Investing in African Mining Indaba is the largest mining investment event in Africa. With
a proven track record of bringing together Ministers, senior Government
representatives, Mining Companies, Mid and Junior Miners, Investors, professional
services as well as mining equipment and service providers, Mining Indaba is the place
to meet everybody who’s anybody in the African and global mining industry.
It is the must-attend event that drives the mining industry forward and provides
attendees with unmatched access to the entire value chain and the most influential
players in African mining for four days of high-quality content, deal-making and
networking opportunities.
