Modern Mining April 2022

MINING INDABA PREVIEW

In addition to representatives from the United Nations and the EITI, various African heads of state have signed up to give Presidential Keynotes at the conference, including the President of Zambia, H.E. Hakainde Hichilema, and the President of Botswana, H.E. Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi. Under the theme ‘Evolution of African Mining: Investing in the Energy Transition, ESG and Economies’, the conference will interrogate key industry issues, including decarbonisation, technol ogy and innovation, ESG-focused investment drivers and the prevailing economic conditions. “This year we have a new programme called Innovation & Research Battlefield. It’s the place for research innovation to be piloted at speed and targets the development of workable sustainable mining solutions to meet current market demand. The appetite from junior miners to attend the event is definitely there and nearly 90 juniors have already signed up with our 121 Mining Investments pro gramme,” says Noce. Further to this, a newly hosted meeting pro gramme to support mining companies actively sourcing services such as airborne satellite surveys, ground-based geological and geophysical prospect ing and surveying and related services for mining projects, is also on the agenda. Incorporating Covid-19 protocols “Our exhibitors’, visitors’, and colleagues’ health, safety and security remain our number one prior ity. We have developed safe and secure standards, including enhanced cleaning, social distancing, a robust communications plan and track and tracing. All rooms, including conference rooms, meeting rooms and rooms for social functions, will be set up according to the social distancing guidance. Gloves and masks will be offered to visitors, exhibitors, colleagues and suppliers, and hand sanitizer will be available in high traffic areas. We will continue to follow Cape Town’s and South Africa’s local and national government guidelines and laws,” says Noce. 

thought leaders in the industry, including various African heads of state, Barrick Gold CEO Mark Bristow, ICMM CEO Rohitesh Dhawan, Minerals Council South Africa CEO Roger Baxter and Anglo American SA Board Chair Nolitha Fakude among the contingent of speakers l ined up. Mining Indaba is particularly excited to welcome new Chief Executive of Anglo American Group, Duncan Wanblad, who will make his world-exclusive debut at a major international event in his new role. There will also be a host of fresh features, including a stage dedicated to the Infrastructure & Supply Chain Forum, a Green Metals Day, and our first-ever Innovation & Research Battlefield with our partners Development Partner Institute, with a generous grant prize to the winner from BHP and University of Queensland” says Noce. Speakers include Rio Tinto’s new CEO of Minerals, Sinead Kaufman, Gold Fields CEO Chris Griffith, and Exxaro Resources CEO-designate Dr. Nombasa Tsengwa, as well as a main stage panel convened by Women In Mining. On the technology and innovation side, senior representatives from GE Africa, Siemens, Epiroc and Vodacom will add their expertise.

Above: Mining Indaba 2020 panel discussion.

Left: Mining Indaba business matchmaking interactions.

Mining Indaba 2022  Mining Indaba has a core strategic remit focused on bringing mining related investment opportunities into Africa.  It is a content-led conference that addresses critical issues faced by the mining community.  The conference provides a platform for mining majors, mid-tiers and juniors to discuss key industry issues on the same platform as government ministers and key industry bodies.  It also creates opportunities for exploration companies to network and engage with important investment stakeholders and governments, under one roof.  Mining Indaba remains especially important for Greenfield project devel opers looking for investment capital.  The exposition component complements the conference and provides direct access to companies of the whole mining value chain.

26  MODERN MINING  April 2022