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Minerals face growing demand

African Mining Week (AMW) 2025, which is scheduled for October 1–3 in Cape Town, promises to be a landmark event because it will impact the future of the African mining industry

The conference has the theme From Extraction to Beneficiation: Unlocking Africa’s Mineral Wealth, and it will bring both global and African mining stakeholders together at that time. Dialogue will be fostered, deals will be signed, and mineral demand will be addressed. Mineral production must rise by nearly 500% by 2050 in order to meet global demand, which is increasing—making Africa a key player in global supply chains.

A launchpad for mining projects

Through AMW 2025, a key platform, African mining projects will receive the necessary capital. African nations strive to produce more and beneficiate minerals to a greater extent, as the international community seeks new investment opportunities. Mining will help Zimbabwe build a US$12 billion economy by 2030; Angola expects diamond output to increase to 17.53 million carats by 2027; and Ghana aims for 8 million tons of manganese production by 2025. Meaningful investments will be required to achieve these ambitious goals, and AMW 2025 seeks to attract them.

Addressing challenges, exploring opportunities

Minerals face growing demand. Improved technology and sustainable mining practices are increasingly in demand. AMW 2025 will work to tackle key challenges facing the African mining sector. These challenges include securing capital, technology, and expertise. Important sessions include The Investor Perspective: Financing Africa’s Mineral Industrialization, Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships: Building Resilience, and highlights on cobalt, Botswana’s diamond legacy, Ghana’s gold, and South Africa’s PGM industry, which all build resilience. A Technology Forum will explore mining technology innovations that are youth-driven, including AI, robotics, and autonomous mining.

Strategic networking opportunities

AMW 2025 will offer many networking opportunities and will foster collaboration between global and African mining partners. Roundtable discussions will cover critical topics, including US-Africa Collaboration in Critical Mineral Infrastructure, China-Africa Cooperation on Critical Minerals, and European Partnerships in African Mining. The event will also feature a Women in Leadership Forum and a Junior Miners Forum, which will present opportunities for women and youth in the industry.

Navigating critical minerals gaps

AMW 2025 is positioned strategically to explore Africa’s role in the global energy transition, with the continent holding 30% of the world’s critical minerals. Africa will become a key driver of this shift as demand increases for vital minerals such as cobalt, lithium, and nickel.

DRC Mining Week 2025 signals shift toward sustainable, standards-driven mining future. (Image source: SRK Consulting)

Developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo show that the country’s mining sector is transitioning from volume-driven extraction to a more structured industry focused on global standards and sustainability

Reflecting on the recent 20th DRC Mining Week in Lubumbashi, SRK Consulting (Congo) chairman and geological consultant Dominique Sambwa said the event highlighted a range of positive signs that are underpinning the country’s future prospects as a mining giant. These included infrastructure for energy security, adoption of mining industry standards, and a peace agreement that could facilitate better access to mineral deposits.

“With the number of attendees reaching about 5,000 this year, the event was a significant forum for all stakeholders including government, who provided encouraging updates on progress in power and transport infrastructure projects,” said Sambwa. “These developments are essential in allowing mining companies to scale their operations, as well as for exploration efforts to access new areas – so that the DRC’s mining sector can continue to diversify beyond copper and cobalt.”

Lobito rail link

Among the key infrastructure projects underway was the Lobito Corridor – a rail link connecting the DRC’s mineral-rich regions with the Angolan port of Lobito – which is supported by the International Finance Corporation.

He highlighted the growing interest in lithium deposits such as Manono in DRC’s eastern region, and diamond prospects in central DRC. Investor interest is certainly increasing, he noted, with significant representation at the event from Western countries like the US.

“Everyone active and interested in the DRC has also been heartened by the moves to secure a peace deal between the DRC and Rwanda, as this could catalyse further investment and mining expansion – especially in areas that have been destabilised by military activity,” remarked Sambwa.

Clean power

The World Bank-funded phase 1 of Inga 3 hydroelectric scheme was another topical project discussed at DRC Mining Week that holds great promise for the future of mining, said Nicolaas Steenkamp, principal consultant at SRK Consulting (South Africa).

“Clean hydropower through a large scheme like this will facilitate considerable expansion of mining operations, by strengthening the availability and reliability of power through the main grid,” said Steenkamp. “Where it could replace costly diesel-generated power on mines, such an energy source could also make production costs more globally competitive, while helping mines to decarbonise as part of industry-wide sustainability efforts.”

He noted that the DRC’s cleaner sources of grid energy could also position the country’s producers as leaders in the move toward a preference for ‘green copper’ among customers pursuing the energy transition away from fossil fuels. The 240MW Busanga hydroelectric plant north of Kolwezi on the Lualuba River is among the most recent renewable projects to be commissioned. There are also a number of solar power developments underway on mines, aiming to harness renewable sources while stabilising on-site power supply and driving the green agenda.

Socio-economic impact

The mining industry’s recent trajectory in the DRC has been marked by local regulations to harness its positive impact on the economy and broader society, as well as by a growing acceptance of global standards – especially those related to environmental, social and governance (ESG) concerns. The evolving regulatory framework hopes to nurture local suppliers and professional service providers to the industry, as well as improve relationships between mines and communities through more systematic engagement, said Sambwa.

“Subcontracting firms in mining must now be at least 51% owned by Congolese shareholders, and there are local procurement requirements for mining and service contracts,” he said. “Mining companies are also mandated to prioritise the employment of locals – to promote the integration of the domestic economy.”

Standards show the way

With international focus on the integrity and ethics of the mining supply chain, and led by major global players already active in the DRC, miners in the country are increasingly embracing industry standards, according to SRK Consulting (South Africa) partner and principal environmental scientist Wouter Jordaan.
“As a strategy to meet international best practice and mitigate risk – while also aligning with the requirements of the larger financial institutions and stock exchanges – we are seeing a definite trend in the DRC towards compliance with one or more standards,” said Jordaan. “Mining companies are recognising that they are part of a value chain is becoming more demanding.”

He added that standards like The Copper Mark and the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) are not only well-recognised by others in the supply chain, but they provide mines with a clear and structured path to compliance. Other industry benchmarks are also coming into focus for players in the DRC, commented Malcolm Maber, partner and principal geotechnical engineer at SRK Consulting (SA).

“As exhibitors at DRC Mining Week, we engaged with many visitors about the requirements of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), especially the ESG elements,” said Maber. “It is clear that companies operating in the country are keen to start understanding and implementing this standard – if they haven’t already started.”

Looking ahead

Sambwa said the DRC Mining Week emphasised the potentially positive impacts of government efforts to date in trying to optimise the benefits that nearby communities gain from mining operations. This included the social investment of 0,3% of mines’ turnover to community funds, to support upliftment and local economic development.
“Of course, the social benefit is unevenly spread across the country, as it only applies in the mining regions,” he said. “However, the impact can be positive if the arrangement is well managed by skilled professionals, and if there is a high level of transparency in matters such as revenues and contributions.”

bauma 2025 sparks new industry confidence. (Image source: Messe München GmbH)

Despite an increasingly volatile geopolitical climate, supply chain constraints and other challenges, there was a fresh impetus and a spirit of optimism at bauma 2025

Now that the world’s leading trade fair for construction machinery, building material machines, mining machines, construction vehicles and construction equipment is over, what are some of the takeaways for Africa?

In a time characterised by global challenges, bauma 2025 impressively demonstrated what the industry is capable of, as a platform for pioneering innovations, new partnerships and as a source of inspiration going forward.

Mega trends such as sustainability and digitalisation were clear and prevalent across all sectors.

“Sustainability — the sustainable operation of construction machinery and construction sites with the latest drive systems and energy storage solutions — remains an important topic. In addition, there is also the entire area of networked construction sites and networked construction machinery,” remarked Holger Schulz, managing director at Zeppelin (CAT).

Wolfgang Sochor, CEO of HAWE Hydraulik, also highlighted some technology trends.bauma 2025 has demonstrated that trends such as CO₂ reduction and alternative drives have established themselves in the industry.”

Steffen Günther, a member of the board of directors of Liebherr-International AG, noted, “At bauma, we showcased a number of important future topics, such as drive technology and autonomy. For us, bauma is much more than just a trade fair, it is the platform where the future of the industry is made tangible.

This year, bauma 2025 attracted 600,000 visitors from more than 200 countries and regions, with some 3,601 exhibitors from 57 nations, underscoring its global significance.

This included a surge in overseas numbers from countries such as Brazil, Portugal, Romania, the Netherlands, Turkey and Spain, as well as China.

Erich Sennebogen, owner of Sennebogen, said that the high level of interest at the event might help to stimulate activity across the construction sector and related industries.

“For this reason, bauma can be a positive stimulus for a revival in the construction industry, as well as in the material handling sectors, both in Germany and internationally.”

Stefan Rummel, CEO of Messe München, the venue for the show, added that it sent a “strong signal of confidence for the entire industry” providing a stable foundation and a forward-looking platform in turbulent times.

The next bauma will be held from 3–9 April, 2028, at the Munich trade fair, Germany.

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Caterpillar celebrates 100 years with sustainable tech, equipment, and services at bauma Munich 2025. (Image source: Caterpillar)

Celebrating a century of groundbreaking innovation, Caterpillar Inc. is turning its focus toward “The Next 100 Years” at bauma Munich 2025, the premier global trade fair for construction equipment

The company is spotlighting its latest advancements in machinery, technology, power systems, and service offerings designed to address today’s complex jobsite demands.

“Caterpillar is celebrating a century marked by groundbreaking innovation, engineering excellence and industry expertise,” said Tony Fassino, group president of Caterpillar Construction Industries. “While we look back and appreciate our history, we stand ready for all that is in store for ‘The Next 100 Years’. Alongside the Cat dealer network, we are energised by what the future holds and remain committed to helping solve customer challenges as we work together to build a better, more sustainable world.”

Caterpillar’s expansive bauma showcase is organised around several key themes:

Performance centre: Demonstrates the synergy of machinery, power, technology, autonomy, and services. Attendees can explore how integrating the latest Caterpillar innovations into their fleets can reduce fuel usage and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while boosting operational performance.

Technology, connectivity and safety: Live demonstrations highlight the newest features in VisionLink® for fleet, productivity, and safety management. The exhibit also showcases the full spectrum of Cat Command capabilities, offering remote-control, semi-autonomous, and autonomous options tailored for the construction and quarrying sectors.

Services and support: Caterpillar’s aftermarket services portfolio includes Customer Value Agreements (CVAs), digital platforms, and expert assistance designed to maximise uptime, efficiency, and cost savings.

Powering the job site: Caterpillar presents a comprehensive electrification ecosystem—featuring renewable energy solutions, battery storage, electric machines, and advanced charging systems—geared toward helping clients meet emission reduction targets.

New and upgraded equipment: Forty-eight machines are on display, including 17 either newly introduced or recently upgraded models. These additions span the battery-electric, next-generation, and specialised segments for demolition, recycling, and waste management.

Industrial engines and power solutions: The exhibit also includes Caterpillar’s range of industrial engines compatible with 100% hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), such as the new C13D and high-power C3.6 engine rated at 106 kW (142 hp). Also featured is a series hybrid powertrain, a hydrogen engine testing display reflecting ongoing alternative fuel research, and a remanufactured C7 engine.

With its forward-looking vision and focus on sustainability, Caterpillar’s bauma 2025 presence underscores its continued commitment to powering progress across the construction industry.

Read more: Caterpillar launches MH3032 material handler

Volvo Penta's BESS is designed for industrial applications. (Image source: Volvo Penta)

Volvo Penta is set to make a major impact at Middle East Energy (MEE) 2025, where it will present its cutting-edge battery energy storage subsystem (BESS) and combustion engines compatible with renewable fuels

The company's scalable BESS is designed for industrial use, enabling peak shaving, rapid charging, and discharging. Its energy-dense architecture and favourable C-rate make it a portable solution that complements gensets as industries transition to electrification.

In hybrid configurations, the BESS enhances fuel efficiency and optimises charging cycles, leading to improved uptime and lower emissions. By integrating with both hybrid and fully electric systems, it supports continuous operations while aligning with sustainability objectives.

Volvo Penta's strategy revolves around providing the BESS subsystem while collaborating with OEMs and system integrators to deliver tailored, comprehensive solutions. This partnership-led approach speeds up time to market and ensures solutions are aligned with specific project and customer needs.

Advancing renewable fuel-compatible engines

As part of its dedication to sustainable power solutions, Volvo Penta is enhancing its combustion engine platform to accommodate alternative and renewable fuels, including natural gas, hydrogen, and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).

All current Volvo Penta engines are certified for HVO operation, with ongoing developments toward hydrogen-compatible engines.

Field trials are in progress for the Stage V D8 dual-fuel engine, which utilises both diesel and hydrogen. This engine is set to enter the European genset market later in 2025. Stationary applications, with their regulatory flexibility, present a significant opportunity for greater efficiency and emissions reductions.

Kristian Vekas, product manager at Volvo Penta Industrial, highlighted the role of collaboration, remarked, “Power generation is vital across different industries, and adopting renewable fuel-compatible genset engines can reduce emissions while ensuring reliability. Collaborating with customers, we aim to develop scalable, practical solutions that ease the transition to lower-carbon energy.”

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