Although the Joburg Indaba mining conference will be hosted virtually for the second year running, owing to the Covid-19 pandemic and the global responsibility to limit face-to-face interactions, event organiser Resources 4 Africa CEO Paula Munsie says the virtual format presents new opportunities and added value.

She adds that last year’s virtual event was attended by about 600 delegates over the two-day period, and that this year promises to be even more fruitful.

“The fact that we can reach more people online and have the resources to record and capture the discussions for future use impacts greatly on the event’s popularity,” she enthuses.

Munsie says the event, which will take place on October 6 and 7, will draw the attention of captains of the mining industry, and will host attendees and speakers from the private and government sectors, as well as State-owned enterprises.

“We are pleased to welcome former Minister Dr Sydney Mufamadi this year and we have extended an invitation to Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe as well.”

Transnet CEO Portia Derby and Eskom CEO André de Ruyter will also speak at the event.

The Joburg Indaba is a leading industry platform, with speakers and sponsors valuing the opportunity to not only be part of it but also engage with other industry thought leaders.

Its programme is based on a “by the industry for the industry” concept and brings all the major stakeholders together for constructive conversations on the way forward for the local sector.

Additionally, sponsors of the Indaba also benefit from the extensive branding on offer in the lead-up to and during the event, including the exposure that they receive through Resources 4 Africa’s email and social media marketing campaigns.

“We think of our sponsors as partners and work with them to create an event of value.”

Talking Points

This year’s discussions will be centred around mining’s role in the rebuilding and recovery of the economy and what immediate actions government needs to take for mining to flourish in South Africa.

Further, the increasing global momentum behind environmental, social and corporate governance initiatives and the drive towards lower carbon emissions will also be unpacked, including discussions on the actions industry should take to demonstrate its commitment to future sustainability.

“The Indaba will identify the critical metals needed for the world to make the transition towards a greener energy environment and how South Africa fits into this picture,” she enthuses.

The question of whether the needs of international investors can be balanced with the local needs of society, government, employees, suppliers and communities will also be raised.

Munsie adds that, in the lead up to the Joburg Indaba, Resources 4 Africa hosted a full-day virtual event on the hydrogen economy in September, as well as separate discussions on the Forth Industrial Revolution and modernisation in mining earlier in the year.

“All these important subjects will form part of discussions in terms of the critical metals required for the future and where we want to be as an industry going forward,” she stresses.

Munsie concludes that attendees can expect an engaging platform where industry leaders participate in “no-holds-barred constructive conversations that are open, honest, bold, fresh and to the point”.