This year marks a significant milestone as we celebrate the 31st anniversary of Mining Indaba, coinciding with a transformative phase for the organization. MI25 symbolizes the start of a crucial period that widely recognizes the distinctive qualities and inherent rights of mining communities and indigenous peoples, placing them at the center of the mining discourse. This noteworthy shift aligns with our vision, underscoring that the mining sector in Africa is at a pivotal crossroads: “Mining Indaba can and will spearhead this transformation and challenge traditional practices… helping to transition towards a promising future through constructive and innovative dialogues.”

MI25 stands for more than just inclusivity; it represents a significant evolution in mining conversations. We are moving past the traditional stakeholder framework to elevate the voices of those most affected by mining—the communities that are interwoven with this industry: the workers, local inhabitants, and migrant laborers who form its backbone.

Honoring the traditional custodians

Crucially, we are amplifying the voices of indigenous peoples who have deep-rooted ancestral ties to the land, which is the cornerstone of the minerals vital to our sector. We acknowledge the traditional leaders who serve as guardians of these priceless resources.

This is why the inclusion of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San leaders, the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA), and numerous other community organizations at MI25 is not just welcomed but revolutionary. Their participation emphasizes their indispensable role in shaping the future of African mining.

This year, we are introducing the “Communities Interactive Workshop,” designed as a dedicated space for genuine engagement. This workshop will not be a venue for corporate jargon but rather a melting pot where mining firms, community leaders, key stakeholders, and representatives from various sectors work together to devise solutions. We will address urgent challenges head-on, fostering constructive dialogue and collaborative problem-solving to safeguard the future of African mining, starting today.

Our focus on community engagement is not just a noble pursuit; it’s a strategic imperative for sustainable development. As David Sturmes-Verbeek, co-founder and director of partnerships & innovation at The Impact Facility and member of the African Mining Indaba Advisory Committee on Sustainability, compellingly articulated in a recent op-ed: “Mining… requires compromise and involves risks… it is essential that the local community is engaged, educated, and empowered to negotiate terms at every stage of the mining process.”

He also emphasizes our “Communities competition,” designed to discover and honor innovative strategies that maximize community benefits from mining activities. This inspiring competition centers on tangible outcomes such as skills development, local procurement, and sustainable enterprise growth, affirming a concrete dedication to empowering communities and ensuring they receive authentic rewards from resource extraction. By highlighting and rewarding best practices, this competition aims to ignite transformative changes across the industry, fostering a more equitable and sustainable future for mining communities throughout Africa.

This commitment strongly aligns with the goals of the South African government. A Cabinet statement from December 6, 2024, underscores the vital importance of collaborating with traditional leaders and addressing the needs of rural communities. The government’s ongoing partnership with the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San leaders, facilitated by the Inter-Ministerial Task Team led by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, reflects a clear dedication to ensuring that the voices of these communities are not only acknowledged but acted upon.

A new framework for mining

The African mining landscape is at a crucial juncture. We have the choice to either adhere to outdated models that prioritize short-term profits over long-term sustainability or to embrace a new framework—one that is collaborative and recognizes the inherent rights and essential roles of mining communities and indigenous peoples. MI25 serves as a call to action for the industry to rally together and adopt a more inclusive and equitable approach, empowering local communities and ensuring fair distribution of mining benefits.

The Mining Indaba platform aims to unlock the transformative potential of mining to drive sustainable development and create shared prosperity. It acknowledges that mining communities are not merely passive participants; they are active collaborators in development, custodians of the land, and possessors of invaluable traditional knowledge.

MI25 is a movement. It represents a shift towards a future where mining serves as a force for good, a catalyst for meaningful change, and a source of empowerment for communities and upcoming generations. Join us at MI25 and become part of this historic transformation. Together, let’s shape a future where mining empowers, enriches, and sustains.

The Investing in African Mining Indaba will be held from February 3-6, 2025, at CTICC, Cape Town. For further information, visit www.miningindaba.com