Lilian Kagai Mugalla, a final-year mining engineering student from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), has just returned from the Mining Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa, and her insights are already sparking conversations in the sector. Her journey to the prestigious conference began with a victory in the Community Voices video competition organized by the Impact Facility, an organization championing sustainable mining solutions. This win not only secured her a sponsored slot at the Mining Indaba but also amplified her voice in the industry.
The Mining Indaba, Africa’s largest mining conference, is a vibrant platform where industry leaders, investors, and policymakers converge to discuss the future of mining. For Kagai, this was more than just an opportunity to attend; it was a chance to engage with the global mining community and gain insights that could shape Kenya’s mining sector. “The experience was inspiring and it reinforced my passion for the mining sector,” Kagai observes. She participated in dynamic discussions and workshops, including “Disruption Required: Time for a New Deal with Local Communities,” which emphasized the importance of mining companies uplifting communities beyond compliance. Other workshops, such as “The Communities We Leave Behind: Mine Closure” and “What Needs to Change to Harness the Full Potential of ASM,” aligned with her advocacy efforts for sustainable and responsible mining practices.
Kagai’s participation in the Mining Indaba is a testament to her dedication and the support she received from various industry stakeholders, including the Kenya Chamber of Mines, the Association of Women in Extractives Kenya (AWEIK), and the Mining Engineers Society of Kenya. Her journey was not easy, but with the support of her lecturers and mentors, she secured an air ticket and made it to Cape Town. “I am truly grateful for this opportunity which aimed to amplify the perspectives of those engaged in mining,” Kagai appreciates. She believes that the Mining Indaba plays a crucial role in shaping the mining sector in Kenya by providing a platform for investors, government representatives, and industry stakeholders to discuss opportunities and challenges.
The Mining Indaba has broadened Kagai’s perspective on the mining industry, particularly in areas of sustainability, innovation, and policy development. She gained insights into the future of mining, especially regarding ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices and how technology is transforming the sector. Networking with professionals also expanded her knowledge and created potential career growth opportunities. “With the right policies, increased exploration, and adoption of modern mining technologies, Kenya can significantly boost its mining industry and contribute more to the economy,” Kagai observes.
Dr. David Mwangi Akisa, Chairman of the Department of Mining Engineering at JKUAT, underscores the significance of the Mining Indaba to students pursuing mining engineering. “Having our mining students interact with various stakeholders within the mining industry in such a forum can greatly motivate them,” Dr. Mwangi notes. He proudly comments on Kagai’s participation, “It is a huge achievement since the Indaba is a prestigious forum that everyone in the mining industry yearns for. As a final year student, this gives Lilian an opportunity to connect with different mining companies that might be her prospective employers around the world.”
Kagai’s presence at the Mining Indaba reflects well on the quality of education and the opportunities provided by the Mining Engineering Department at JKUAT. Dr. Mwangi is confident that Kagai’s insights from the Mining Indaba can enrich the learning experience for others in the department and act as a platform for bridging the gap between academia and the mining industry. This could lead to collaborations, internships, and job opportunities for students, as well as help in aligning academic programs with the needs of the industry. “Lilian’s participation could inspire her peers to aim higher in their studies and careers, fostering a sense of ambition and possibility,” Dr. Mwangi opines.
As the mining sector continues to evolve, with sustainability and innovation taking center stage, Kagai’s experience at the Mining Indaba serves as a reminder of the importance of staying proactive and open to new ideas. Her journey is a call to action for students pursuing mining engineering to explore the industry beyond the classroom, participate in conferences, join professional organizations, and seek mentorship. The future of mining is here, and it’s time for the next generation of mining professionals to step up and drive sustainable solutions in the sector.
