This year’s Joburg Indaba will focus on the local mining sector’s role in fostering inclusive economic growth amid an everchanging economic and political landscape, says events organiser Joburg Indaba CEO Paula Munsie.

The event – to be held from October 2 to 3 at the Inanda Club in Sandton, Johannesburg – will host an array of industry leaders, stakeholders, government officials and exhibitors.

All attendees of Joburg Indaba will be afforded the opportunity to engage in discussions about the most pressing issues, growth opportunities, insights and the latest developments, innovations, legislation and technologies in the South African and African mining sector.

The first day will be dedicated to a keynote address tackling leadership barriers in the energy space and mining sector, with conference sessions focusing on the role of public-private partnerships in enhancing infrastructure development, the future of platinum-group metals and how to grow the mining industry.

A key discussion will also reflect on the mining legislation of the past 20 years.

Munsie says that the discussions will also highlight how South Africa can capitalise on the opportunity of becoming a vital part of the global race for critical minerals and metals.

Among the keynote speakers are State-owned power utility Eskom chairperson Dr Mteto Nyati, and business and economic growth organisation Business Unity South Africa president Mxolisi Mgojo.

Nyati will discuss leadership challenges in the mining and energy sectors in South Africa, while Mgojo will discuss how economic growth could be achieved if he were the Minister for the government department responsible for growing the economy.

Day two will focus on the local mining industry’s energy transition, as well as investor relations, capital allocation and cost-containment for mining companies.

Munsie says the programme for the second day is designed to highlight the state and future of the diamond industry; how the “mine of the future” can be achieved using new technologies; and the impact of the Government of National Unity on investor perspectives on the industry.

Further, global multi-mineral mining company Anglo American CEO Duncan Wanblad will highlight the potential of the South African mining industry and its future trajectory.

The conference will be concluded with a keynote address by Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, who will comment on the ways in which he thinks the mining and exploration industry in South Africa can be revived or rejuvenated.

The diversity of mining and energy industry professionals who will attend the Indaba, as well as the various panel discussions and networking opportunities, will encourage and provide a platform for constructive discussion on issues facing the energy and mining sectors in South Africa.

Munsie adds that Joburg Indaba 2024 will play an important role in mapping out various aspects of the local mining sector, with panel discussions enabling for a call to action and setting in motion change in the industry.

“The inclusion of panel discussions on public-private partnerships, supply chain and procurement strategies, [as well as] the role of new technologies, will ensure that participants can explore innovative solutions to current challenges, positioning the industry to seize future opportunities,” she concludes.