During the 2024 Junior Indaba, Vusi Mabena – in his capacity as a key figure in the mining industry and a member of the Minerals Council South Africa – delivered an insightful address on behalf of the Mining Industry Association of Southern Africa (MIASA). As a respected leader in the sector, his speech, titled “Driving Sustainable Mining Growth in Southern Africa”, shed light on critical issues facing the region and outlined MIASA’s strategic priorities for advancing responsible mining practices and fostering socio-economic development.
Key themes from Mabena’s address
Regional collaboration and advocacy: Mabena underscored the importance of regional collaboration and advocacy in addressing common challenges and promoting the interests of the mining industry across southern Africa. He highlighted MIASA’s role as a unified voice for mining companies in the region, advocating for conducive regulatory frameworks, infrastructure development and investment promotion initiatives to unlock the full potential of southern Africa’s mineral wealth.
Policy advocacy and regulatory reform: He emphasised the need for policy advocacy and regulatory reform to create an enabling environment for sustainable mining development. He outlined MIASA’s engagement with governments, policymakers and other stakeholders to advocate for transparent, predictable and investment-friendly regulatory regimes that balance economic development with environmental protection, social responsibility and community empowerment.
Responsible mining practices: Mabena reiterated MIASA’s commitment to promoting responsible mining practices that prioritise environmental stewardship, social development and inclusive growth. He highlighted initiatives aimed at enhancing environmental management, health and safety standards, and community engagement practices across the region – emphasising the importance of adhering to international best practices and industry standards.
Skills development and capacity building: A key focus of Mabena’s address was MIASA’s efforts to promote skills development and capacity building in the mining sector. He outlined initiatives aimed at addressing skills shortages, promoting local employment and empowering communities through training, education and job creation programmes. By investing in human capital development, MIASA seeks to build a skilled workforce that drives innovation, productivity and sustainable growth in the industry.
Infrastructure development and investment promotion: He highlighted the importance of infrastructure development and investment promotion in unlocking the full potential of southern Africa’s mining sector. He outlined MIASA’s advocacy for strategic infrastructure projects including transport networks, energy infrastructure and water management systems, to facilitate access to mineral resources, reduce operational costs and enhance competitiveness.
Key takeaways
Vusi Mabena’s address on behalf of MIASA at the 2024 Junior Indaba underscored the importance of regional collaboration, responsible leadership and strategic partnerships in driving sustainable mining growth in southern Africa. His insights resonated with attendees, reaffirming MIASA’s commitment to advancing the interests of the mining industry while promoting socio-economic development and environmental sustainability across the region. As a leading advocate for positive change, his address set the stage for constructive dialogue and collective action toward a more prosperous and sustainable future for southern Africa’s mining sector.
