Invest Africa, a leading pan-African trade and investment platform, has announced Aon as the headline partner for its 12th Annual Mining Series alongside Mining Indaba 2025.

With demand for transition metals expected to grow fivefold by 2050 as the world shifts to cleaner energy, Africa’s mining sector will play a pivotal role in driving the global energy transition.

Mining Series 2025 will convene government leaders, industry experts and investors to examine how Africa can leverage its resources for sustainable and inclusive growth in an ever-evolving global market.

Confirmed speakers include: Dean William Macpherson, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, South Africa; Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Electricity, South Africa; Antony Phillipson, High Commissioner to South Africa, United Kingdom; Marna Cloete, president and chief financial officer, Ivanhoe Mines; Marie-Chantal Kaninda, president, Glencore DRC; and Brian Menell, chairperson and CEO, TechMet; alongside other prominent leaders from government and industry.

“The mining sector is at a crossroads as it navigates the dual challenges of accelerating demand for transition metals and the need for greater sustainability and transparency,” says Dr Nolwandle Mgoqi, CEO of Aon South Africa. “Africa holds the key to powering the energy transition, but unlocking this potential requires a forward-thinking approach to risk management, resilient supply chains and transformative technology.

“Aon is honoured to partner with Invest Africa in fostering critical dialogue and innovative solutions to shape the future of mining.”

Comments Chantelé Carrington, CEO of Invest Africa: “We’re seeing a tremendous appetite for investment in Africa’s mining sector. Through the Mining Series, our mission is to shine a spotlight on opportunities across the continent and catalyse partnerships that unleash the full potential of Africa’s resources while ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth.”

Register now for the 12th Annual Mining Series

Steinmüller Africa will make its welding expertise accessible in a five-day online training course that will run from 10 to 14 March 2025.

As a leader in steam generation plant service, Steinmüller Africa specialises in explosive welding for power generation plants, along with other advanced techniques to serve clients across various industries. The course, led by experts, is designed for welders or engineers within the industrial and mining sectors.

The course, built on over 60 years of experience, is aimed at those interested in expanding their knowledge in the field. It will cover eight key topics about the construction and maintenance of boilers.

The comprehensive course will include: introduction to boilers, process design, mechanical design, piping design, boiler construction, boiler operation and plant availability, boiler maintenance and metallurgy.

“This annual training course has been created to not only nurture emerging talent but also to elevate the expertise of welders across the industry. By utilising Steinmüller Africa’s proficiency in critical areas, the course pushes boundaries, ensuring welders stay ahead of the curve and remain fully compliant,” says Moso Bolofo, director at Steinmüller Africa. “By sharing our deep knowledge and hands-on experience, we aim to drive innovation and foster growth within the field, strengthening the industry as a whole.”

Secure a spot for this CPD-accredited course, offering 5 CPD points. Spaces are limited, and registration closes on 31 January 2025.

For more information, email Faaima Khan at faaima.khan@bilfinger.com.

Infrastructure is a bellwether of a country’s potential for economic growth. Governments that spend on infrastructure give themselves the best chance to succeed, while underinvestment restrains inclusive economic prosperity.

Mining is directly impacted by a country’s infrastructure and ability to move mine product, key equipment, materials and goods from source to market.

A large number of African states are visceral examples of these maxims. Many have failed to improve or maintain infrastructure to match population growth rates and economic needs. Growing populations and other demands have stretched the public fiscus, making it increasingly difficult to the point of being unaffordable for governments to solely fund infrastructure.

For the continent to grow, it must address the problems styling infrastructure development and develop the necessary legal structures, regulatory frameworks and financing mechanisms to bridge Africa’s infrastructure gap.

Africa’s current infrastructure deficit and its connection to mining

The scale of the challenge facing infrastructure development across Africa’s different markets is stark. While the mining sector has, in many respects, helped develop key infrastructure in markets ranging from South Africa to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Zambia, this infrastructure is often purpose-built and does not support the wider economy.

According to the African Development Bank, the continent must invest between US$130 billion and US$170 billion annually in infrastructure development to close its infrastructure gap. However, investment has only ranged between US$68 billion and US$108 billion annually in the last few years.

Approximately two-thirds of the continent’s people have road access, with transport costs often double compared to other developing markets. Only 30% of Africa’s population has regular access to electricity, with water and Internet access below 10%.

Beyond physical infrastructure, regulatory and legal red tape and corruption continue to hobble policy efforts, with Transnet’s woes in South Africa and the continued delay of the Simandou iron ore project in Guinea endemic of such instability.

For countries that depend heavily on mining as a percentage of exports – like Guinea (87%), Mali (85%), Zambia (79%), and the DRC (77%) – infrastructure gaps and delays can prove terminal to efforts to develop their wider economies.

Red tape and its ability to stop infrastructure development at the concept

The scale of the challenge facing Africa’s economies and mining sectors highlights the need for a globally competitive infrastructure platform that can enhance mining sector growth continent-wide. Getting there means addressing the legal problems that inhibit infrastructure developments at the source.

These challenges include poorly drafted legislation, the inconsistent application of law and policy, a lack of policy certainty, and changes in the regulatory environment ranging from ministerial appointments to key leaders of regulatory bodies.

The above categories alone can drive up the cost of infrastructure development significantly, with time a casualty as much as capital. Governments must ensure the correct policies, regulations and legal structures are in place and enforced to support the development of infrastructure, vital to the long-term prospects of the mining industry. These essentials range from a functioning mining cadastre system, national standards and legislation to an overarching vision or strategy squarely focused on infrastructure development to tie all activity together.

When regulations, standards and legislation are devised, beyond their local implications, it is incumbent upon the government to consider how local legal and regulatory frameworks interact with international agreements, conventions and trade.

Financing infrastructure and mining sector development and their legal consequences

Mine companies have been able to play an outsized role in developing infrastructure in Africa due to their historical access to finance, access that African countries have traditionally struggled with.

Over time, mining companies and governments have sought different solutions to develop infrastructure where interests align, using several vehicles to do so, each with specific legal restraints:

• Public-private partnerships (PPPs) must account for existing laws and regulations, with private sector considerations often clashing with public sector policies and law, with disputes difficult to resolve without a dispute mechanism. Competition law and separation of powers is another fact composite to most PPPs.
• Green bonds have no single definitive definition or mechanism, while compliance and due diligence demands plus the lack of specific rating standards can make them administratively onerous.
• Multilateral financing must comply with both local and international law, not undermine the sovereignty of the host state or lead to corruption, and can be at the mercy of prevailing international market conditions.
• Leveraging favourable trading regimes such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to maximise the benefit of lower tariffs and reduced cost of doing business, keeping an eye on key jurisdictional relationships where co-operation is needed.

To attract infrastructure investment, governments and mining companies should create an enabling environment that eliminates these constraints by:

• Working together to create a harmonious and consistent working relationship, with predictability highly attractive to foreign and local financiers and investors.
• Removing costly bureaucracy and implementing policies that increase competitiveness and make their mining sectors attractive for greater investment.
• Partnering with key local and international institutions to underwrite the financial stability of a project, while leveraging regional and international trade agreements where relevant.
• Strategically targeting infrastructure bottlenecks that constrain economic growth and, if removed, accelerate infrastructure development.

International financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or World Bank, for example, can provide a key source of finance for infrastructure development, with mining a vital part of the conversation as a key economic sector. However, working with these types of organisations means paying heed to the legal frameworks that govern them, such as the IMF Charter or regulations, or the World Bank’s approach to identification systems within PPPs.

Cross-border and regional infrastructure opportunities

Outside of major international institutions, regional co-operation and legal integration can provide a significant fillip for infrastructure development and mining sector growth. The AfCFTA recognises the important role played by the continent’s regional trade blocs such as the Economic Community of West African States and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Infrastructure projects developed across borders can be advantageous to participating countries, driving economic growth in each market while benefiting the region simultaneously. Governing these relationships are regulations and agreements that ensure each actor is accountable for their specific inputs, and ensuring such relationships are conducted with fairness in mind.

An example is the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, which is managed by the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) and is designed to provide Gauteng with water while generating electricity for Lesotho. The legal framework governing the project is drawn from the 1986 treaty signed between South Africa and Lesotho, which has since been amended with several protocols, a second bilateral agreement and the development of the LHDA and the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority in South Africa.

If designed with intention, cross-border projects can support the mining sector as well as their host economy through the provision of key resources and access to legal and financial expertise, enhancing mining profitability and sector viability.

Legal expertise and preparation maximise economic and mining synergies

With the right strategies and collaborations in place, governments and the mining industry can proactively source the legal expertise needed to formulate the necessary policies and programmes.

The dynamics between the state, the mining sector and infrastructure development are complex. Programme conceptualisation must consider the different legal risks and structures applicable to each.

If done so correctly, and consistently, further opportunities to work with international and regional financiers and partners may arise. At each step, a cohesive legal strategy, which includes efficient cross-border transfer mechanisms, is needed to foster collaboration between governments, the private sector and regional bodies.

As currently stands, with the various SADC protocols and the AfCFTA, we unfortunately still witness the long queues of trucks at the various land borders, which not only increase the price of doing business but also increase the chances of corruption. There must be a better way that can only be achieved with the political will and collaboration between the different members of SADC.

Working with practitioners experienced in infrastructure development, trade law, various technical experts and political will, there is no reason we cannot efficiently conduct the flow of product from mine to market, mine machinery and spare parts from plant or port to where it is required most.

With the 2025 Mining Indaba theme, “Futureproofing African Mining, Today”, we are reminded that innovative financing mechanisms and collaborative frameworks hold the key to unlocking infrastructure potential and positioning Africa as a global mining leader. There is no doubt the region can achieve more.

Nomsa Mbere and Rita Spalding

Partners

Webber Wentzel

Image credit: Sly/Pixabay

Container World, a trusted leader in container-based solutions, is transforming the African mining industry with its innovative focus on Conversions, MultiHouse® Units and Reefers. With decades of experience and a dedication to excellence, the company delivers solutions that thrive in the continent’s toughest terrains and most remote locations.

Continuous innovation

Container World is committed to driving progress and enhancing mining operations with tailored container solutions that meet the unique demands of the industry:

• Conversions: Standard shipping containers are reimagined as advanced mobile offices, workshops or secure storage units, custom-designed for mining environments.
• MultiHouse® Units: These modular housing solutions provide durable and comfortable accommodation or workspaces, ensuring efficiency even at the most isolated sites. They are transported to site in a flatpack kit form, and then assembled on site – this saves up to 75% on transport costs.
• Reefers: State-of-the-art refrigerated containers to safeguard temperature-sensitive materials and perishables, offering dependable storage even in extreme conditions.

Why choose Container World?

Mining operations require solutions that are resilient, reliable and efficient. Here’s why Container World is the trusted partner for the job:

• Custom engineering: Every container is designed to meet your specific requirements, ensuring it performs seamlessly in your operations.
• Durable build: Built to withstand Africa’s harshest environments, from searing heat to rugged landscapes.
• Unmatched service: With decades of expertise, Container World provides end-to-end support, guiding clients from concept to implementation.

Step into the future of mining

Container World’s forward-thinking approach is reshaping the future of mining, ensuring companies stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry.

Contact details:

Paul West

Telephone: +27 (0) 11 392 1284 | Mobile: +27 (0) 82 887 1270

Email: paul@containerworld.co.za

Mining Indaba 2025 brought together an incredible mix of mining experts, big-time players, thought leaders and suppliers.

The African Mining News team was once again present throughout the Indaba and enjoyed the chance to chat to and connect with some incredible people and be exposed to world-class products and services.

This must-attend event will take place next year from 9-12 February, 2026. You can register your interest for the 2026 Indaba here.

With less than three months to go, momentum is building for the Namibia International Energy Conference 2025 (NIEC), set to take place from 23 to 25 April 2025 at the Windhoek Country Club Resort, under the theme “Leading the Way: Becoming an Energy Hub with In-Country Value”.

Now in its seventh edition, NIEC is Namibia’s most established and influential energy platform, bringing together key stakeholders to drive industry growth, investment and strategic discussions.

NIEC2025 will convene government officials, industry leaders, investors and the broader business community to discuss and shape Namibia’s growing role as an energy hub.

The conference serves as a strategic platform for investment facilitation, technical insights and high-level policy discussions, ensuring Namibia remains at the forefront of Africa’s energy transformation.

A proven platform for energy investment and industry partnerships

Founded by RichAfrica Consultancy, NIEC has grown into the premier platform where leading companies announce partnerships, provide exploration updates and drive new investments in Namibia’s energy sector. Having welcomed more than 2 200 attendees from 46 countries in previous editions, the conference remains Namibia’s premier platform for industry engagement.

Endorsed by the Ministry of Mines and Energy and supported by the African Energy Chamber, NIEC continues to contribute to Namibia’s energy transformation, attracting major industry players. Chevron has joined as an exclusive Diamond Sponsor, while Shell and RMB Namibia have reaffirmed their commitment as Sapphire Sponsors. Other confirmed sponsors include Total Energies, Woodside Energy, SONILS and SBM Offshore – reinforcing Namibia’s growing role in the global energy landscape.

Strategic industry intelligence and technical sessions

NIEC 2025 will focus on advancing Namibia’s energy ambitions through investment, sustainability and local content. With Namibia’s Upstream Local Content Policy now in effect, discussions will explore its potential impact on industry growth, workforce development and supply chain integration.

The conference will feature strategic industry intelligence sessions and technical presentations covering natural gas monetisation, the role of critical metals in the energy transition, renewable energy expansion, energy infrastructure & logistics as well as financing Namibia’s energy future.

A high-level platform for business and international collaboration

With growing interest from international investors, local industry leaders and service companies, NIEC 2025 will welcome energy leaders from across the globe. Beyond discussions, the event will feature an exhibition showcasing innovations in energy technology and infrastructure, B2B networking sessions, and investment roundtables designed to facilitate deal-making and business growth.

In addition to high-level discussions, NIEC 2025 will host initiatives aimed at industry engagement, including the Future Energy Leaders Initiative, which provides mentorship and networking for young professionals in the energy sector.

Secure your spot at Namibia’s leading energy conference

With demand for participation growing each year, early registration is highly recommended to secure a seat at this high-impact event. Energy professionals, investors and policymakers looking to be part of Namibia’s energy transformation should not miss this exclusive opportunity.

Phasecon Mining, a leader in innovative mining solutions, is setting new standards in the industry with its award-winning technologies designed to optimise plant and equipment, enhance production and increase capacities.

With a commitment to efficiency, sustainability and cutting-edge engineering, Phasecon Mining is emerging as the preferred partner for plant design, equipment upgrades and high-performance mining solutions worldwide.

At the forefront of Phasecon Mining’s offerings is its award-winning carbon regeneration kiln technology, which provides a highly efficient solution for activated carbon regeneration in gold processing. This advanced technology ensures minimal energy consumption while maximising throughput, reducing operational costs and increasing recovery rates.

Phasecon Mining also specialises in high-efficiency electrowinning circuits, engineered to deliver superior metal recovery while reducing power consumption and environmental impact. By optimising the electrowinning process, Phasecon Mining helps clients improve operational efficiencies and maximise their return on investment.

In addition to its proprietary technologies, Phasecon Mining offers comprehensive plant and equipment upgrades and repair services, ensuring mining operations run smoothly and efficiently. From minor refurbishments to major overhauls, Phasecon Mining provides tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of each client.

Recognising the challenges of dewatering in mining and industrial applications, Phasecon Mining has partnered with Flint Technical Geosolutions to introduce Titan Tubes, sludge capping solutions and specialised dewatering structures. These innovative solutions provide sustainable, cost-effective methods for handling mine tailings, water treatment and environmental remediation – further solidifying Phasecon Mining’s position as a comprehensive solutions provider in the industry.

A game-changer in mining technology, Phasecon Mining’s mobile carbon regeneration kiln is an industry first, offering unparalleled flexibility for operations in remote locations. Available in capacities ranging from 50kg/h to 500kg/h, and with options for electric, diesel-fired or solar-powered configurations, this mobile kiln ensures effective carbon regeneration even in areas with limited infrastructure. The introduction of this technology marks a significant step forward in making advanced mining processes accessible across diverse operational environments.

“As a company, we are dedicated to driving innovation and sustainability in the mining sector,” says Danie Herbst, sales manager. “Our goal is to provide mining companies with the most efficient, cost-effective and environmentally responsible solutions. Whether it’s through our carbon regeneration kilns, electrowinning technology or dewatering solutions, we are continuously pushing the boundaries to redefine mining excellence.”

For more information about Phasecon Mining’s advanced mining solutions, telephone +27 12 030 0320.

Following the acquisition of AARD Mining Equipment, Epiroc has successfully integrated a new product family of utility vehicles into its global mining and civil construction portfolio. The outcome is the Terrah Series: a hallmark of reliable, durable and high-performance underground equipment.

With a heritage spanning over 30 years under AARD Mining Equipment, these machines have been developed and proven in the most demanding African mining conditions.

“With the introduction of utility vehicles to our underground product portfolio, our customers can trust Epiroc more than ever to provide a single point of contact for all their needs,” says Wayne Symes, president at Epiroc’s Underground division. “This launch not only reinforces our commitment to innovation but also strengthens our growth ambitions across Africa and beyond.”

Adds Martina Ahlborg, general manager for the production facility in Chamdor, South Africa: “The versatility of the Terrah Series is unlocking new opportunities, with strong demand already coming from customers outside of southern Africa. Built to last, the Terrah Series is a sustainable choice thanks to its high-quality components and robust design.”

The flexible carriers within the Terrah Series – Terrah TS100 FR and Terrah TS100 FC – have modularity at their core. Each carrier supports a broad range of modular cassette solutions, allowing for seamless configuration to suit various operational tasks.

“Built to deliver, designed to adapt – the Terrah Series redefines flexibility and cost-efficiency,” says Daniel Sandström, global portfolio manager: Utility Vehicles at Epiroc’s Underground division. “By switching the carriers’ cassettes during a work shift, you can ensure full machine utilisation and maximised productivity.”

The purpose-built machines are developed for specific types of applications, like the Terrah TS100 SC rock scaling machine. Prioritising operator safety throughout the entire operation, it offers excellent visibility, easy manoeuverability and reliable safety features. Designed to always keep the operator away from unsupported ground, the Terrah TS100 SC is equipped with a robust telescopic boom, ensuring precise rock scaling and increased productivity.

As the mining and construction industries continue to evolve, the Terrah Series stands ready to drive efficiency, safety and productivity in underground operations worldwide.

SLB has opened its Africa Performance Centre, located in Luanda, Angola. The centre will serve as a collaborative hub for industry stakeholders, providing access to innovative solutions across digital, artificial intelligence (AI), oil & gas and new energy sectors within Angola and Africa.

The 3 200 square foot state-of-the-art facility marks a significant step in SLB’s commitment to fostering collaboration, innovation and development of human capital in the industry, leveraging SLB’s extensive global network of interconnected innovation and performance centres.

“Collaboration is essential to deliver efficient scalable solutions that meet operational needs sustainably,” said Miguel Baptista, managing director for SLB in Angola, Central and East Africa. “With this Performance Centre, our aim is to work with customers drawing on our global expertise, diverse technology portfolio and digital workflows to deliver localised solutions. This close collaborative approach leveraging the latest technologies such as AI will enhance customer performance and drive production – ultimately addressing Angola’s ambition to maintain production above 1.0 million barrels per day until 2030.”

Alice de Fátima Pinto de Ceita e Almeida, Secretary of State for Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, echoed his sentiments: “This centre will be a catalyst for digital transformation and sustainable development in our country – leveraging science, technology and innovation to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for our citizens.”

The Performance Centre aims to provide a unique platform for capacity building, skills enhancement and the empowerment of local talent across various digital and technological fields, cultivating sustainable industry solutions from within Angola.

“Angola welcomes, with pleasure, and encourages investment in the oil & gas industry. May more investments come, because the time to invest in Angola is now!” added Dr Diamantino Azevedo, Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas.

Southern Africa is poised at a unique crossroads: a moment of unparalleled opportunity to leverage its vast reserves of critical minerals to drive not only economic transformation but also a green and sustainable future.

As the world accelerates toward net-zero goals and targets, the demand for rare earth elements and critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and copper are skyrocketing. Southern Africa, with its rich resource base, has a compelling opportunity to position itself as a key player in the global critical minerals value chain.

The stakes are high, and the benefits could be transformative. A strategic and sustainable approach to developing these resources could attract billions of dollars in foreign direct investment (FDI), catalysing infrastructure development, creating thousands of jobs (primary, secondary and tertiary) and fostering lasting socio-economic upliftment. The value chain opportunities offer a pathway to economic diversification and long-term economic resilience, turning the finite into the infinite.

But unlocking this potential requires more than the mere extraction of resources. It calls for deliberate integrated development planning, action, strategic collaboration at a local, national and regional level, and a deep commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles.

The economic imperative: Building resilience and growth

Beyond extraction and downstream beneficiation, arguably more important is the development and continued exploitation of critical minerals provided to host countries and communities. The foundation for economic diversification supports sustainable livelihoods beyond the mining lifecycle, encompassing mining activities and their related multipliers such as supply chains and infrastructure. The effect is providing the foundation and a catalyst for socio-economic diversification, adding significant value and long-term resilience to the region’s economies.

While the emphasis is always on processing critical minerals locally instead of exporting raw materials, this approach will require substantial investment, must be economically viable and largely tied to the lifespan of the underlying mineral resource.

There remains a good argument for southern Africa to be positioned as a hub for beneficiation and manufacturing in the renewable energy and electric vehicle sectors, generating additional revenue, building local expertise and creating higher value jobs. However, by leveraging mining, its supply chains and requisite infrastructure, co-investment can be catalysed into, in sectors such as agro-industrial, textile, forestry, energy, tourism and many other economically diverse industries. These industries will ultimately provide more sustainable and resilient economic ecosystems that will survive and thrive beyond life of mine.

Policy coherence: Fostering an enabling environment

Policy inconsistencies across the Southern African Development Community member states pose significant challenges to regional collaboration. Harmonised policies that attract investment while safeguarding long-term national interests can foster a conducive environment for cross-border investments by streamlining regulations, creating certainty for investors and enabling seamless movement of goods and services. A unified regulatory framework is particularly critical for attracting FDI and leveraging the region’s collective mineral wealth.

Favourable fiscal regimes, streamlined permitting processes and clear regulatory frameworks are essential to creating an investor-friendly environment. Moreover, proactive efforts to establish regional value chains – connecting mineral-rich nations to markets, processing hubs and export routes – can ensure the benefits of renewable energy boom are widely shared.

Special economic zones (SEZs) offer a platform for economic transformation by incentivising value addition and industrialisation. Establishing cross-border SEZs dedicated to economic diversification, including the beneficiation of critical minerals, can enable shared infrastructure, reduce operational costs and enhance regional integration. These zones provide opportunities for beneficiation industries, which fosters job creation and retains greater value in the beneficiary region.

Collaboration: The African critical minerals alliance

Critical minerals transcend national boundaries, demanding co-operation across governments, industries and stakeholders. Effective collaboration can enhance infrastructure development, improve trade networks and attract the investment needed to unlock the region’s mineral potential. Mining companies, policymakers and private investors must work together to integrate value chains, from extraction to refining and manufacturing.

Regional co-operation will be pivotal to southern Africa’s success. The recently established African Critical Minerals Alliance provides an important platform for harmonising policies, pooling resources and fostering joint ventures. By leveraging collective expertise and economies of scale, member nations can address common challenges such as infrastructure development, capacity building and securing global market access.

Collaboration also offers a buffer against geopolitical risks. As global critical mineral supply chains aim to diversify, southern Africa can position itself as a stable, reliable and ethical source of these resources. By presenting a unified front, the region can negotiate better terms with international investors and ensure the benefits of its resources are equitably distributed.

The sustainability mandate: Mining for a better future

Sustainability must be at the heart of southern Africa’s critical minerals strategy. The mining industry faces increasing scrutiny from global investors, regulators and consumers who demand adherence to stringent ESG standards. This is not merely a reputational concern; it is a commercial imperative that is fast gaining the legal backing to enforce accountability. Mining operations that fail to integrate sustainability into their core practices risk exclusion from global supply chains, as well as legal and operational repercussions, particularly in the critical minerals sector.

The strengthening of legislative efforts so that climate change mitigation and adaptation measures are implemented by governments and the private sector presents additional challenges, such as the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, but also opportunities for the entire mining value chain.

Similarly, international markets are placing increasing emphasis on human rights and environmental concerns linked to the extraction of critical minerals in southern Africa’s ‘high risk’ regions. These include land dispossession and inadequate compensation, unfair working conditions, occupational health and safety hazards, fatal incidents and harassment and intimidation of human rights defenders, among others.

For southern Africa, this means adopting cutting-edge technologies to minimise the negative ecological footprint of mining operations, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, managing water use responsibly and rehabilitating environmental impacts. However, this should be approached with a focus on achieving dual long-term sustainable outcomes: for example, designing mines and their associated infrastructure to benefit the mine and long-term needs of host communities and countries simultaneously. This approach can drive co-investment, facilitate economic diversification and consider opportunities to repurpose mining infrastructure after the mine’s lifecycle.

By doing so, mining companies facilitate socio-economic sustainability, reducing not only the long-term cost of their operations by no longer acting as the sole source of financing while serving as the foundation and catalyser for co-investment. Such action also reduces the significant sociopolitical risks often associated with such projects. By collaborating with host communities, host governments, potential co-investors, non-governmental organisations and other key stakeholders in a non-paternalistic manner through exploration, mine planning and development, an equitable sharing of benefits may be achieved.

Host countries and communities derive significant benefits from mining activities, both directly and indirectly, through equitable revenue sharing, economic diversification, community development initiatives, sustainable employment and business opportunities. These economic opportunities are further enhanced by commitments to environmental conservation, the preservation of cultural heritage and the protection and promotion of fundamental human rights.

The role of governments in ensuring transparent governance, procurement and revenue management practices cannot be overstated. Mechanisms such as sovereign wealth funds and transparent reporting systems can help ensure supply chains are monitored and resource revenues are invested in long-term national priorities – from education to infrastructure – rather than lost to corruption or mismanagement.

Bridging the infrastructure gap: A strategic opportunity

One of the most significant challenges to unlocking southern Africa’s critical minerals is the region’s infrastructure deficit. Transport bottlenecks, insufficient energy capacity and inadequate digital infrastructure all threaten to limit the region’s competitiveness in global markets.

Herein lies a strategic opportunity. Governments and the private sector must forge public-private partnerships to build the infrastructure necessary to support a thriving critical minerals sector.

For instance, renewable energy projects could provide dual benefits: powering mining operations while contributing to national energy grids, fostering broader economic growth. Strategic investments in rail and port facilities can help streamline mineral and other exports, ensuring southern Africa becomes a reliable supplier in global markets.

Seizing the moment: A call to action

The window of opportunity for southern Africa to establish itself as a leading player in the global critical minerals market is narrow. Competing regions, including South America and Southeast Asia, are also vying for dominance. Southern Africa’s ability to attract investment, build infrastructure and deliver on ESG promises will determine its success.

This is not just about mining. It is about harnessing the region’s resource wealth to foster green, inclusive growth. By acting with urgency, southern Africa can redefine its role in the global economy – not as a supplier of raw materials but as a driver of sustainable innovation and development.

The journey will be challenging, requiring political will, corporate responsibility and community buy-in. But the rewards – a more prosperous, resilient and sustainable southern Africa – are well worth the effort. The critical minerals beneath the region’s soil are not merely an economic opportunity; they are the foundation of its sustainable future.

As industry leaders, policymakers and stakeholders gather at Mining Indaba 2025, the message must be clear: Southern Africa’s time is now. With a unified vision and collective action, the region can transform its resource endowment into a legacy of shared prosperity for generations to come.

Bruce Dickinson

Nomsa Mbere

Paula-Ann Novotny

Partners

Webber Wentzel

Image credit: Khusen Rustamov/Pixabay