Modern Mining August 2025

Strong governance and harmonised policies are essential for a stable, attractive investment environment.

Africa can position itself as a leader in the global energy transition while ensuring that its mineral wealth benefits its people.

New ESG and climate legislation across Africa is raising the bar for compliance — Achilles supports mining companies within the region.

Community-centric mining: A new paradigm One of the most significant shifts in Africa’s mining landscape has been the recognition of the need to involve indigenous and local communities. Historically not prioritised, these groups today have a seat at the table, as stakeholders, beneficiaries and equal partners. This shift is encouraging mining companies to adopt more sustainable and community-centric approaches. Dr Marit Kitaw, economic affairs officer at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, calls for a reimagining of the way that the continent’s mineral bounty can be developed, so that it benefits a wider range of stakeholders. “The theme ‘Stronger together: Progress through partnerships’ is a call to reimagine partnerships on Africa’s growth journey, to see minerals not as tools of convenience, but as instruments of collective empowerment,” she says. “Africa’s transformation through minerals can only be achieved

when everyone, including women, youth, marginalised communities, artisanal miners, governments, industry, civil society, academia, and cooperating partners, sit at the table as equal partners. Stronger together, we rise!” By fostering mutual respect, transparent dialogue, and inclusive decision-making, mining operations can ensure that local communities benefit from resource development while preserving cultural heritage and environmental integrity. From skills sharing and job creation to improving livelihoods and empowering indigenous voices, this new paradigm recognises that mining success must extend beyond production outputs to include shared prosperity and social equity. Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of the Minerals Council South Africa, emphasises the role of collaboration in driving growth. “The South African mining sector is positively impactful, but even more so in collaboration with government and other social

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