African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 is set to shine a spotlight on the continent’s burgeoning role in the global mining sector, as African nations deepen collaborations with international players to meet escalating demand for critical minerals. The event, running concurrently with the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference in Cape Town from October 1-3, will host a series of high-level discussions, with industry leaders converging to chart the future of African mining.
South Africa’s dominance in the global platinum group metals (PGMs) market will take center stage, with Craig Miller, CEO of Valterra Platinum, and Vinay Somera, CEO of Isondo Precious Metals, leading discussions on the country’s strategic influence. Miller will outline Valterra’s ambitious expansion plans, targeting a refined output of 3.4 million ounces by 2025. Meanwhile, Somera will delve into Isondo’s innovative efforts to utilize locally sourced PGMs in hydrogen fuel cell manufacturing, a move that could significantly bolster South Africa’s position in the burgeoning green energy sector.
The conversation around PGMs will extend to the broader theme of industry consolidation, with Marna Cloete, President and CEO of Ivanhoe Mines, and Godwin Beene, Country Manager of First Quantum Minerals, participating in a panel on mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships. Both companies are spearheading large-scale investments in Zambia’s copper sector, supporting the country’s ambitious goal to produce 3 million tons annually by 2031. Beene will discuss First Quantum’s expansion of its Kansanshi and Sentinel operations, while Cloete will provide updates on the development of Ivanhoe’s Kamoa-Kakula complex, a project poised to become one of the world’s most significant copper assets.
The gold market’s volatility and future price trends will also come under scrutiny, with B2Gold Namibia’s Country Manager John Ross and Pensana CEO Tim George featuring in a dedicated panel. Ross will share insights into B2Gold’s expansion of Namibia’s Otjikoto Mine, the country’s largest gold operation. George, meanwhile, will discuss Pensana’s progress on Angola’s Longonjo rare earths project, which is expected to supply 5% of the global demand for magnet metals crucial for electric vehicles and wind turbines.
Digital transformation in mining operations will be another key topic, with Darryll Castle, Director of Operations at TechMet Limited, leading discussions on the integration of cutting-edge technologies. The event will also place a strong emphasis on diversity and sustainability, with Emma Townshend, Executive of Corporate Affairs at Implats and Board Member of Women in PGMs, participating in a session focused on women pioneering leadership in Africa’s mining industry.
As African Mining Week 2025 brings together industry leaders, investors, and policymakers, the event is poised to catalyze new partnerships and drive strategic investments across the continent’s mining sector. The discussions and debates that unfold will not only shape the future of African mining but also underscore the continent’s pivotal role in meeting the world’s growing demand for critical minerals. With the event’s focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and technological innovation, AMW 2025 is set to chart a course for a more resilient and dynamic mining industry in Africa.