The future of mining largely depends on the exploration for and discovery of new mineral deposits, on the African continent especially, where there are significant reserves of green metals and minerals like platinum, cobalt, chromium, and other battery metals. Despite this, Africa lags behind in exploration spend, making it the last untapped mineral-rich continent.
Mining Indaba 2024, happening in Cape Town from February 5 – 8, will feature a new and unique panel discussion titled “Africa exploration pipelines – why so empty?” This session will address the challenges to exploration spend on the continent and explore how to ensure Africa meets the global demand for critical minerals. It will also provide insight into African countries defying the limited exploration trend.
With Africa holding 30 percent of the world’s mineral reserves, but only accounting for less than 10 percent of global mining exploration spend, the need for opening up exploration in Africa is crucial. The panel at Mining Indaba 2024 will focus on how to leverage Africa’s minerals for sustainable development and contribute to global needs.
The high-level speakers for this session include Errol Smart, Orion Minerals CEO and Minerals Council Board member, Josh Goldman, Co-Founder and President of Kobold Minerals, Marna Cloete, President of Ivanhoe Mines, and Al Cook, CEO of De Beers Group. The panel will be moderated by Sonia Scarselli, Vice President of BHP Xplore.
The Explorer’s Showcase, introduced at Mining Indaba 2023, is returning to Mining Indaba 2024 to spotlight exploration and drive investment into African mining at the early stages. This initiative aims to help explorers raise finance or find the right partner to advance their project, with support from BHP Xplore.
For media queries, contact Katherine Bester (katherineb@rasc.co.za) or Sibongile Mtafu (sibongile@rasc.co.za).
About Investing in African Mining Indaba: It is the largest mining investment event in Africa, bringing together Ministers, Government representatives, Mining Companies, Investors, and other players in the African and global mining industry for four days of high-quality content, deal-making, and networking opportunities.