Mining Week kicked off with a Ministerial Symposium on Sunday ahead of the Mining Indaba starting today.
Speaking to media, Gwede Mantashe, Minister of Mineral Resources and Petroleum, said, South Africa would focus on mobilizing capital for exploration, responsible mining and capacitating junior mining initiatives.
The Junior Mining Fund has about R2 billion.
The theme for the Indaba this year, is “Stronger Together: Progress through Partnerships.”
Paul Kabuswe, Minister of Mines and Minerals Development in Zambia, announced at the Ministerial Symposium, that his country, would highlight the transformative impact of the UPND Government’s policy direction.
He said the surge in capital inflows is driven by stable, transparent, and progressive policies implemented under President Hichilema, to restore confidence in the mining sector.
His focus will be on attracting more investments while creating thousands of decent jobs for Zambians across the mining value chain.
He also said there is a plan to revive major mining operations such as Konkola Copper Mines, Mopani Copper Mines, and Shaft 28 in Luanshya, as well as develop and expand new projects including Mingomba, Kitumba, and Lubambe Mines, which are expected to significantly boost copper production and national revenue.
At the alternative Mining Indaba, hosted by civil society, in Cape Town, Oxfam is expected to host a side event, centering on community-led energy solutions from mining-affected and marginalised communities.
Oxfam said in an update “from grassroots innovation to policy dialogue, this space amplifies community voices, showcases viable alternatives to energy poverty, and calls for a Just Energy Transition that will leave no communities behind.”
The meeting plans to showcase community led, people-driven clean energy innovations and solutions developed and implemented by CBOs, working with Oxfam.
Elsewhere in Johannesburg, the Mining-Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA), alongside WAMUA and YAMUA, will host a 3rd Annual Marginalised and Affected Communities (MAC) Summit, from 10–12 February 2026 at the Parktonian Hotel themed “Beyond Green Growth – Toward a People-Led Just Energy Transition.”
The organisation said speakers include Dinga Sikwebu (Hydrogen Watch), Tengo Tengela (COSATU), Zwelinzima Vavi (SAFTU) and Sebei Mametlwe (GIWUSA).
Their plan is to place a national labour voice at the centre of mining discussions this week.
Picture: Supplied