The 26th edition of the Investing in African Mining Indaba is to focus on investment in the digital economy of mining, according to the conference’s new Head of Content.

Tom Quinn says the event, run over four days starting from February 3, will build on the success of the 2019 Mining Indaba in terms of the high level of government participation and the substantial increase in the number of investors seen at the event.

Quinn highlighted new additions to the program:

• General Counsel Forum: This forum will bring together general counsels, in-house legal teams and established law-firms to debate and share knowledge on Africa’s complex resources sector. “It’ll focus on how companies can navigate the opportunities and challenges in the sector by strengthening portfolio management, examining falling productivity against increasing costs and M&A market updates,” he said. The forum will take place on February 6, in partnership with Africa Legal;
• An extended Mining 2050 program: the impact of technology on the future of mining operations will now be discussed over two days (as opposed to one in 2019) under the theme ‘Optimising growth in the fourth industrial revolution’. Key topics include green and sustainable technology, waterless mines, artificial intelligence, robotics and job creation, using blockchain technology for sustainability, and mitigating digital risk;
• Resource nationalism and investor risk is a main stage topic where sector leaders will be analysing and assessing exposure in current Africa markets and possible strategies to mitigate risk; and
• Climate change and the industry’s role in decarbonisation is a frontline issue for investors and the topic will be discussed during main stage sessions and the dedicated sustainable development day.

The event will take place at the CTICC in Cape Town, South Africa, and International Mining is a media sponsor.