A powerhouse panel set the tone for Mining Indaba on 9 February 2026, bringing together the Ministers of Mines from South Africa, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, alongside CEOs from leading global mining houses including Ivanhoe, in a high-level discussion that kicked off the week’s agenda with authority and intent.
South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, echoed other African governments sentiments, highlighting the contradiction of Africa’s mineral wealth coexisting with widespread poverty. He emphasised the convening power of leadership and the need to avoid a distractive race to the bottom. He said progress will come through partnerships, with investors and industry captains playing a central role.
Mantashe stressed the importance of synergy between African nations to ensure unity and competitiveness in mineral pricing, particularly for critical minerals that are increasingly central to global economic transitions. He called for Africa to assess the true impact of these minerals and define their meaning for the continent’s development, noting that commodities such as gold host other critical minerals whose global demand has grown significantly.
Capturing the data value of critical minerals and moving beyond extraction to production is now imperative. He further highlighted the Lobito Corridor as a necessary value-adding framework, with strategies emerging from the Ministerial Symposium to address shared challenges including power, rail infrastructure and regulatory alignment.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister of Mines, Louis Watum Kabamba outlined a defined framework under new arrangements with the United States, focusing on specific projects and diversified partnerships. He highlighted the country’s vast endowment including an estimated 20 billion tonnes of iron ore with potential for steel production. Mega infrastructure projects, particularly railways connecting the Atlantic coast to the Indian Ocean and East African markets, were presented as transformational for regional trade, industrialisation and integration.
Zambia’s Minister of Mines Paul Chanda Kabuswe reaffirmed that the country’s mining sector is on the right trajectory, supported by sustained growth and expanding energy capacity. Hydro, coal and solar projects are being advanced to address rising energy demand from mining and industrial activity. Reiterating the 3 million tonne copper ambition, the Minister noted deepening engagement with the private sector and navigating geopolitical competition to secure value at the negotiating table. Stability and win-win partnerships remain Zambia’s guiding principles.
Ivanhoe’s Chief Executive Officer Marna Cloete underscored the importance of predictability and bankability in African mining jurisdictions, citing refurbished infrastructure in the DRC as a strong signal of progress. She advocated for a collaborative approach that balances government prerogatives with investor needs and reflects a deeper understanding of Africa’s development priorities.
In conclusion, one of the panellists noted that engagement on policy must extend beyond compliance to measurable impact. Mining must benefit communities, shareholders and host countries alike, while addressing environmental impacts responsibly.
