With an abundance of mineral wealth and increasing global demand, especially for critical minerals driving the energy transition—the African continent has an unprecedented opportunity.
However, seizing this moment requires more than just extracting resources. It demands a multi-disciplinary, collaborative approach that aligns government policy, investment security, community engagement, workforce development, and market expansion. Future-proofing mining in Africa, as highlighted at the Investing in African Mining Indaba 2025, is not a one-dimensional task—it is a balancing act of interconnected factors.
Investment is the lifeblood of mining, yet Africa’s mining landscape is often marked by unpredictability. Caroline Donally, managing partner at Sprott Streaming and Royalty, underscored this, stating, “Investors want to be sure that if they invest today, the same legislation will be in place tomorrow.” The message is clear: regulatory certainty is a non-negotiable factor in attracting and sustaining investment. Governments must focus on long-term, stable policies that provide clarity on taxation, royalties, and environmental compliance, ensuring mining projects remain viable and beneficial for all stakeholders.
Adding Value, Reducing Carbon Footprint
Africa’s mining sector must shift from being merely an exporter of raw materials to becoming a hub of value addition. Martina Biene, chair and MD of Volkswagen Group Africa, highlighted the continent’s untapped potential in beneficiation, stating, “There is huge demand to purchase more from Africa—not only in the form of raw commodities, but in the form of processed material to supply downstream markets.” This shift has a twofold benefit: it keeps more wealth within the continent and significantly reduces the carbon footprint by processing materials closer to the source. Governments and mining companies must work together to establish processing hubs and industrial clusters to make this vision a reality.
Collaboration as Key to Sustainable Growth
Mining cannot thrive in isolation. It requires synergy between policymakers, investors, communities, and businesses. Ntokozo Nzimande, Deputy Director-General of South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, reinforced this by stating, “Collaboration between governments, investors, mining companies, and communities is critical to future-proofing mining.” Bringing traditional leaders into mining conversations, as showcased at the Indaba, is a step in the right direction. When communities are active participants, rather than passive recipients, mining projects become more sustainable and less prone to social unrest.
Workforce Development: Future-Proofing Talent
Sustainability in mining is not just about minerals—it is also about people. Sameera Mohamed, HR Director for Microsoft Africa, highlighted the urgent need for workforce development, noting, “Skilling is what creates the capability to do those jobs.” Mining companies must invest in upskilling workers, integrating digital technologies, and fostering cross-sector training to ensure that Africa’s workforce is equipped to handle the industry’s evolving demands.
Women and Community Empowerment: A Game Changer
Empowering women in mining is more than just a corporate responsibility—it is an economic imperative. Zenzi Awases, president of the Association of Women in Mining in Africa (AWIMA), passionately argued, “Mining is most effective when you invest in communities, support artisanal and small-scale mining, and empower youth and women.” Women play a crucial role in community engagement, environmental stewardship, and social cohesion, and their inclusion in decision-making processes leads to more holistic, sustainable mining operations.
Future-proofing mining in Africa is neither a theoretical concept nor a singular effort. It requires a multi-disciplinary approach that ensures regulatory stability, encourages value addition, fosters collaboration, builds a resilient workforce, and prioritises community engagement. As Marna Cloete, President of Ivanhoe Mines, aptly put it, “Our continent has a massive mineral endowment, but the question is whether we can maximise this opportunity.” The answer lies in how well we embrace these interwoven strategies.
The time for action is now. Africa’s mining industry must evolve beyond extraction and towards long-term sustainability, innovation, and inclusive economic development. Anything less would be a squandered opportunity.
