The future of the mining industry is being shaped today by a generation of young professionals who are as committed and energized as they are innovative. During the final day of the Investing in African Mining Indaba 2026, held from February 9–12 at the CTICC in Cape Town, it became clear that the sector’s evolution is in capable hands.
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A Collective Effort for Talent Development
The event’s Young Professionals Programme, a collaboration with Wits University, brought together over 600 young attendees to explore the industry’s potential. South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Mineral & Petroleum Resources, Phumzile Mgcina, emphasized that developing this talent is a “collective effort”.
Key government initiatives highlighted included:
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National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS): Currently funding one million students.
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Junior Miners Exploration Fund: Now boasting R2 billion in pledges.
Mgcina urged young people not to wait for the future but to act as leaders today, stating, “The time for bold action is now”.
Digital Transformation and Legal Reform
Young experts at the Indaba identified technology and policy as primary levers for change:
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Machine Learning: Amogelang Moila, a PhD student at Wits, noted that sensors and smart machinery generate vast amounts of data. She argued that the workforce must be empowered to use machine learning to extract critical insights from this data.
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Simplifying Licensing: Katleho Maeko of the Minerals Council South Africa pointed out that legal complexity hinders investment. He suggested using digitization and data to simplify licensing processes and reform existing legislation.
Safety, Sustainability, and Mental Health
The conversation also shifted toward the social and safety imperatives of modern mining:
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Addressing GBV: Lindokuhle Zwane of the Minerals Council South Africa called for “Zero Harm” reporting to include gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual harassment. She emphasized that GBV is a “safety and sustainability imperative” rather than a peripheral issue.
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Worker Wellbeing: Mining intern Nomvula Mahlangu highlighted the need for better mental health support, noting that “stressed workers are less effective” in such an intense workspace.
A Place for Every Skill Set
Despite the challenges, the message from the Indaba was one of immense opportunity. Sephela Makete Thema of Fraser Alexander reminded young professionals that the mining value chain has a place for almost every discipline—from data and legal to communications and storytelling.
As Minerals Council South Africa CEO Mzila Mthenjane concluded, Africa’s youth are no longer waiting for hope; they are actively creating it.