Investing in African Mining Indaba date change

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This follows extensive consultation with the event partners, key stakeholders across the mining value chain and local government ministers.

“Collectively, due to ongoing challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic, we decided that a postponement was the most practical solution and provides the highest chance of holding a physical, in-person event in 2022 so the industry can reconnect once again,” says Simon Ford, Portfolio Director, Hyve Group Plc, the event organisers.

Roger Baxter, CEO of the Minerals Council South Africa, long-term partners of Mining Indaba, expressed the importance of running the event.

“Although it is disappointing that the February 2022 event had to be postponed due to the pandemic, the next gathering promises to be a pivotal event to reset the dialogue around opportunities and challenges in Africa's mining industry.

He adds: “Mining Indaba is an integral part of the industry’s calendar.”

Echoing this is Nevashnee Naicker, Anglo American’s head of corporate communications.

“Mining Indaba has been a significant platform in Africa’s mining industry for over 27 years - bringing together unique voices and perspectives,” he says.

Other factors

The fact the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), the 2022 venue, has been converted into a vaccination centre until the end of this year, with the possibility of an extension, also contributed to the decision.

Organisers explained that if extended, it would impact their ability to build the event in January, in time for the large scale gathering the following month.

Ongoing travel restrictions in and out of South Africa for many internationals would impact the event’s ability to bring foreign investment into the continent, further adding to the decision.

Organisers also recognised that current government guidelines regarding event capacities are unlikely to be lifted to the level required to run a meaningful event by February.

The 2022 event will run under the theme ‘Evolution of African Mining: Investing in the Energy Transition, ESG and Economies’.