Africa's Elite Mining Industry Gathering in 2025: Joburg Indaba

The 13th annual Joburg Indaba mining conference is set to take place on October 8-9, 2025, at the Inanda Club in Sandton, Johannesburg. This prestigious event promises to bring together a diverse array of industry leaders, government representatives, and key decision-makers for two days of insightful discussions, networking, and knowledge-sharing.

Prominent Speakers and Panelists

The conference features an impressive lineup of mining executives and industry leaders, including Duncan Wanblad (CEO of Anglo American), Paul Dunne (Minerals Council South Africa President and Northam Platinum CEO), Ben Magara (CEO of Exxaro Resources), Mpumi Zikalala (CEO of Kumba Iron Ore), Mike Teke of Seriti, and Moses Madondo of Thungela.

Government and infrastructure representatives, such as Jacob Mbele from the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Adv. Michelle Philips (CEO of Transnet), and Lemogang Pitsoe from African Exploration Mining and Finance Corporation, will provide vital perspectives on policy directions and infrastructure improvements.

Financial and advisory experts, including Wickus Botha (EY), Lullu Krugel (PwC), Caroline Donally (Sprott), and Sayurie Naidoo (Valterra Platinum), will offer insights into capital allocation trends, risk assessment methodologies, and investment strategies.

Key Topics and Sessions

The conference will address a range of critical issues facing the mining sector, including the geopolitical landscape and mining, critical minerals focus, Northern Cape mining potential, infrastructure challenges and solutions, and energy transition debates.

One of the highlights of the conference will be the session on skills development, which will explore topics such as technical skills gaps in the modern mining sector, digital literacy requirements for future operations, educational partnerships between industry and institutions, and diversity and inclusion strategies for workforce development.

Another notable session will focus on regulatory frameworks and policy initiatives needed to attract investment into new mining opportunities across the region, with industry leaders such as Nolitha Fakude (Anglo American SA) and Mzila Mthenjane (Minerals Council SA) participating in the discussion.

The controversial role of coal in South Africa's energy future will be debated by leading coal producers Mike Teke (Seriti) and Moses Madondo (Thungela). Transnet CEO Adv. Michelle Philips will outline progress on transportation networks and port capabilities essential for export-oriented mining operations.

The session on re-industrialization through mining will explore how mining and mineral beneficiation can serve as catalysts for broader industrial development in South Africa, creating sustainable economic growth beyond extraction.

Networking Opportunities and Discussion Panels

The conference will offer extensive networking opportunities through structured breaks, a gala dinner preceding the main conference, and dedicated meeting spaces. Specific networking features include pre-conference gala dinners, extended refreshment breaks, dedicated meeting areas, industry roundtables, and digital networking platforms.

The conference will distinguish itself through its focus on substantive dialogue rather than promotional presentations, prioritizing interactive panel discussions, one-on-one interviews, and audience engagement, creating a forum where challenging questions receive thoughtful responses from decision-makers.

A high-profile panel on how global political shifts are reshaping mining operations and investment patterns across Africa will be another key feature of the conference, with Richard Stewart (Sibanye-Stillwater) among the participants.

The conference will also feature a session exploring factors influencing investor confidence in African mining projects, with insights from financial experts on risk assessment, return expectations, and funding structures in the current global environment.

Preparing for the Conference

To gain maximum value from the conference, attendees should approach the event with strategic preparation. This includes reviewing the detailed program in advance, researching speaker backgrounds and current company initiatives, preparing specific questions for panel discussions and networking opportunities, scheduling meetings with key contacts before arriving at the venue, defining clear objectives for their participation, and researching recent industry developments such as the uranium mining halt.

The Joburg Indaba's Legacy

The Joburg Indaba mining conference is recognized for its candid, solution-oriented discussions addressing the mining sector's most pressing challenges. Craig Miller (Valterra Platinum) and Nico Muller (Implats) will discuss the strategic importance of platinum group metals (PGMs) in green energy technologies. The conference will also address the critical need for next-generation mining talent, with contributions from Phillip Tobias (ARM) and representatives from DRA Global on educational initiatives and professional development programs.

With its emphasis on substantive dialogue, networking opportunities, and a diverse array of speakers and topics, the Joburg Indaba mining conference 2025 promises to be an unmissable event for anyone interested in the mining sector.