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This year marks the 31st anniversary of Mining Indaba, and we are excited to embrace transformation. MI25 represents the start of an important new chapter, one that recognizes the distinct characteristics and fundamental rights of mining communities and indigenous peoples, placing them at the center of the mining narrative. This meaningful shift aligns with our vision that the African mining industry stands at a critical turning point: “Mining Indaba can and will facilitate this transformation and question traditional practices… assisting stakeholders in moving towards a bold future through constructive and innovative discussions.”
MI25 is more than just about inclusivity; it embodies a significant transformation in mining dialogue. We are moving beyond the traditional stakeholder paradigm to elevate the voices of those most affected by mining—the communities integral to this industry: the workers, local inhabitants, and migrant laborers who form its backbone.
Honoring traditional custodians
Significantly, we are amplifying the voices of indigenous populations who have ancestral ties to the lands that provide the essential minerals for our industry. We are acknowledging the traditional authorities who serve as guardians of these precious 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 various other community organizations at MI25 is not only welcomed but revolutionary. Their engagement emphasizes their vital role in shaping the future landscape of mining in Africa.
This year, we are excited to introduce the “Communities Interactive Workshop,” designed to be a platform for sincere engagement. This workshop will transcend corporate jargon to become a melting pot where mining companies, community leaders, key stakeholders, and representatives from different sectors come together to develop solutions. We will tackle urgent issues head-on, fostering constructive dialogue and collaborative problem-solving to safeguard the future of African mining, starting now.
This focus on community involvement is not just a commendable pursuit; it is 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, astutely stated in a recent op-ed: “Mining… requires compromise and incurs risks… it is crucial that local communities are engaged, informed, and empowered to negotiate terms at every stage of the mining cycle.”
He also points to our “Communities competition,” designed to recognize and reward innovative strategies that maximize the benefits mining brings to communities. This inspiring initiative emphasizes tangible outcomes like skills development, local purchasing, and sustainable business growth, demonstrating a solid commitment to empower communities and ensure they receive fair benefits from resource extraction. By showcasing and rewarding exemplary practices, the competition aims to drive industry-wide change and foster a more equitable and sustainable future for mining communities across Africa.
This commitment is closely aligned with the goals of the South African government. A Cabinet statement from December 6, 2024, highlights the importance of engaging with traditional leaders and addressing the aspirations of rural communities. The 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 pledge to ensure that the voices of these communities are not only heard but acted upon.
A new framework for mining
The African mining sector stands at a pivotal moment. We can either adhere to outdated frameworks that prioritize immediate gains over enduring sustainability, or we can embrace a new collaborative model that respects the inherent rights and essential roles played by mining communities and indigenous peoples. MI25 serves as a call to arms for the entire industry to unite 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 potential of mining to drive sustainable development and generate shared prosperity. It’s about recognizing that mining communities are not passive recipients but active partners in development, caretakers of the land, and holders of invaluable traditional wisdom.
MI25 is a movement. It represents a journey towards a future where mining serves as a force for good, acting as a catalyst for positive transformation and a source of empowerment for communities and future generations. Join us at MI25 and be part of this momentous change. Let’s forge a future where mining uplifts, enriches, and sustains.
The Investing in African Mining Indaba is scheduled for February 3-6, 2025, at CTICC, Cape Town. For further details, visit www.miningindaba.com