Africa

CAPE TOWN—As the global race for energy transition materials intensifies, the historical bond between the automotive sector and platinum-group metal (PGM) miners is evolving from simple buyer-seller transactions into complex, strategic alliances. Delegates at the Investing in African Mining Indaba 2026 in Cape Town heard this week that these partnerships …

Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) is a significant part of the global mineral economy. In fact, 45 million people across the world work directly in ASM, with estimates indicating as many as 315 million people benefit from the sector indirectly. However, a critical challenge is finding ways for small miners …

In the face of tariffs, immigration curbs, reduced development funding and growing nationalism, conventional wisdom suggests Africa faces strong geopolitical headwinds. However, the apparent disorder may have a significant upside for the continent. This emerged from a passionate debate on the main stage on Day 2 of Investing in African …

A powerhouse panel set the tone for Mining Indaba on 9 February 2026, bringing together the Ministers of Mines from South Africa, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, alongside CEOs from leading global mining houses including Ivanhoe, in a high-level discussion that kicked off the week’s agenda with authority …

The Investing in African Mining Indaba opened today with a compelling keynote address by President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, who offered a reflective yet forward-looking narrative on Zambia’s mining journey, Africa’s place in the global economy, and the urgent need for partnership-driven growth. Anchoring his address on the theme of …

A newly announced country strategy by President Emmanuel Macron signals a sharpened focus on Africa’s mining sector, positioning the continent as central to France’s long-term energy security and industrial competitiveness. As competition for minerals intensifies globally, led by China, Russia and the U.S., the strategy signals a renewed push by …

LiuGong will return to Mining Indaba 2026 with a clear message for Africa’s mining sector, that sustainability and productivity no longer have to be trade-offs. Building on strong engagement at last year’s event, the global equipment manufacturer will use the Cape Town gathering from 9 to 12 February to highlight …

Production at the €783 million (R14.9 billion) Keliber lithium project in Finland will be phased, with Sibanye-Stillwater citing oversupply in the global lithium market. The Johannesburg-headquartered miner said that last year, prices for lithium concentrate were “well below” the project incentive price of $10,000 to $15,000 LCE (lithium carbonate equivalent). …

By ANDREW VAN ZYL As leaders from across the minerals sector gather in Cape Town in February for the Investing in African Mining Indaba, they will be bringing with them a growing appreciation of the value of trust and collaboration. The theme of the Cape Town event this year – …

The global mining sector is entering 2026 with significant M&A activity poised to reshape industry scale, portfolios, and regional influence. From gold and copper to critical minerals, strategic consolidation and portfolio realignment are accelerating, driven by rising commodity demand, electrification trends, and investor appetite for scale and efficiency. Anglo American …