This year’s Mining Indaba was one of the best attended on record, with more delegates than ever before descending on Cape Town. The official numbers tell one story — but for those of us navigating the peripheries of the conference, where real connections are forged, and deals quietly take shape, the atmosphere told an even more compelling one.
Beyond the vibrancy and optimism that define Indaba week, there was a sense that the market is turning. Conversations felt more grounded, more constructive, and — crucially — more actionable. Across meeting rooms, cafés, and side events, discussions focused on funding and advancing projects, particularly those at earlier stages of development.
Investor appetite appears to be returning, with IPOs being discussed more openly than in recent years. While caution remains, the mood has shifted from “wait and see” to “how do we make this work?”
Indaba Beyond the Conference Floor
Of course, Indaba wouldn’t be Indaba without the packed calendar of events, receptions, and early-morning coffees. These gatherings remain a vital part of the week — not just for socialising, but for building relationships in a more relaxed environment.
We were delighted to host our own breakfast event at Der Anker, co-hosted with Hill Dickinson and MSP. The breakfast was extremely well attended, bringing together many familiar faces and valued clients, including Bert Monro, CEO of Cora Gold, and Vassilios Carellas from Firering Strategic Minerals.
While these events are enjoyable, they serve a far greater purpose than being “just a jolly”. They create space for genuine conversations, introductions, and the kind of informal exchanges that often lead to meaningful partnerships.
The week kicked off in classic fashion with the always-heaving VSA party, which set the tone for the days that followed. A full roster of well-attended events hosted by Bird & Bird, Tavistock and Haynes and Boone, among others, ensured there was no shortage of opportunities to reconnect and expand networks.
The Bigger Picture: Metals, Markets, and Africa’s Role
The overriding takeaway from this year’s Indaba, however, was far bigger than any single deal or discussion. There is a broad consensus that the world urgently needs metals — to meet net-zero targets, support defence requirements, and power the future of EVs, robotics, and advanced technologies. Global energy demand is expected to drive demand for critical minerals significantly by 2040.
Africa will continue to play a pivotal role in meeting this demand. It is currently estimated that the continent holds around 30% of the world’s mineral resources, positioning it as central to the global energy transition. At the same time, Africa needs jobs, with an estimated 500 million people expected to enter the workforce by 2050.
Investment in local processing facilities and downstream manufacturing capacity is essential to ensure that communities and workers across the continent benefit directly from the continent’s extraordinary resource base. Done right, this represents not only an economic opportunity but a social imperative.
Looking Ahead
This year’s Mining Indaba felt different — more optimistic, more purposeful, and more aligned with reality. Here’s hoping that the positivity and vibrancy experienced throughout the week translate into investment, project advancement, and long-term value creation across the sector.
