Building on from the success of the 2019 Mining Indaba, industry experts from across the value chain will tackle topics including the industry’s role in addressing climate change and decarbonisation as well as sustainability measure for investment in the next decade
Tom Quinn, Head of Content at Investing in Africa’s Mining Indaba provides an overview of what delegates can expect from the 2020 programme.
African Review (AR): The theme for 2020 Mining Indaba is ‘Optimising growth and investment in the digitised mining economy’, can you explain why this was decided?
Tom Quinn (TQ): Digitisation has gone from concept to reality and is now a way of life in a global context. From the perspective of business, we are increasingly engaging with digitised, automated and even AI systems whether it be through operations, supply chains or the financial ecosystem that underpins the way in which we do business. The whole concept of the fourth industrial revolution is becoming more mainstream and we can see this in our industry from automated mines, blockchain incubators securing the transparency of mined materials, safety technologies to reduce accidents, and our ongoing interaction with data in which to grow mining in a more efficient and sustainable way.
AR: What discussions will be taking place at Mining Indaba that tackle the theme?
TQ: We’re offering a range of content formats and topics which will resonate with multiple stakeholders along the mining and natural resources value chain. The issue of digitisation and harnessing new technologies will be included in many sessions from the Main Plenary stage, the Sustainable Development day, and Junior Mining Showcase – to our Young Leaders programme and, of course, our extended Mining 2050 platform.
AR: With digitisation bringing more than US$425bn of value for the mining industry, it’s clear to see that opportunities are lucrative and vital not to be left behind. How is the content at Mining Indaba highlighting this across the three days?
TQ: As that figure suggests, the potential investment opportunities in digital optimisation for the mining industry are enormous. Given the fundamental goal of Mining Indaba to platform debate at the forefront of industry challenges and opportunities, we are delighted to announce the expansion of Mining 2050 which will now run over two days.
AR: Are there any new additions to the 2020 programme, what can the delegates expect?
TQ: We have launched the General Counsel Forum in partnership with Africa Legal. Tackling legal issues unique to those working in the mining sector, providing a platform for law firms and in-house legal teams to connect and widen their industry. As Pan-Africa regional legal systems can be complex, we will bring together Africa’s finest legal minds to debate and share knowledge on Africa’s resources sector. Focusing 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.
To see the full agenda visit – www.miningindaba.com
