Cape Town – Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe says co-operation among African countries is important in shaping a sunrise mining industry.
Mantashe was delivering the welcoming address at the annual African Mining Indaba (AMI) held at the Cape Town International Convention on Monday.
The Mining Indaba, which runs until Thursday, brings together global leaders, experts and investors in the industry to engage on the future of mining and to explore ways to attract investments.
Delegates attending the conference will examine challenges and explore opportunities within the sector.
Mantashe said co-operation among African countries is important in building a sunrise mining industry in Africa.
“The year 2022 has been a difficult year for the world and Africa in particular. It is a year in which international and domestic factors negatively affected mining production and mineral sales.
“International factors included soaring energy prices due to the ongoing geopolitical dynamics, whereas domestic factors included the ongoing power supply disruptions (load shedding) and the logistical bottlenecks at our railways and ports.
“I trust that this Investing in Africa Mining Indaba will continue to inspire investors to continue investing in African mining, and South African mining in particular ...
“The Africa Continental Free Trade Area remains an important platform to achieve our continental development goals. We look forward to fruitful discussions which must ultimately lead to tangible investments in both historic and minerals of the future,” Mantashe said.
Indaba chairperson and policy officer at the Tax Justice Network Africa Mukupa Nsenduluka said it was time Africans benefit from their oil, mineral and gas wealth.
“To date, mine hosting African communities have not benefited from their oil, mineral and gas wealth but instead continue to suffer deepened poverty, social and cultural disruptions as well as irreparable environmental damages and the violation of human rights,” Nsenduluka said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the keynote address on Tuesday.
Cape Times