#MiningIndaba2020: Alex Caldwell on where Vivo Energy sees investment opportunities in Africa

Vivo Energy, the Shell licensee operating exclusively in Africa with the exception of South Africa, is strategically looking to expand its business operations in the mining sector. Head of Mining, Alex Caldwell, highlighted the company's growth and investment opportunities during an interview at the Investing in Mining Indaba. As of March last year, Vivo Energy expanded its footprint to include new countries in the South and East of the continent, in addition to its strong presence in West and Northern Africa. Caldwell expressed the company's keen interest in investing in mining projects across the continent, emphasizing the strategic importance of this sector for their growth. When asked about the projects that caught their attention, Caldwell pointed out the diversity of mineral resources in South and East Africa, including copper, iron ore, manganese, diamonds, and coal, with a particular emphasis on the significant coal reserves in Mozambique that present substantial mining opportunities. The company's notable presence in Rwanda reflects its commitment to investing in stable and growing markets. Caldwell commended Rwanda for its leadership and vision in governance, highlighting the country as an example of progress and development in Africa. In Kenya, Vivo Energy has made substantial investments in a blending plant through a joint venture with Shell, positioning itself to further expand its operations in the region. Looking towards the future, Caldwell mentioned potential plans for expansion into Southern Africa, noting that the decision ultimately lies with Shell. The company aims to add significant value to its downstream operations by not only delivering fuel but also by providing tailored solutions that contribute to enhancing mining efficiency and profitability. By focusing on understanding the needs of mining engineers and the specific requirements of mining operations, Vivo Energy aims to optimize equipment performance, extend component lives, and ultimately reduce operational costs in mines. In West Africa, Vivo Energy has found success in countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, Senegal, and Mauritania, with plans for further expansion in Ivory Coast and other promising markets in the region. Caldwell highlighted the attractiveness of the gold price in the current market, signaling opportunities for growth and investment in the Western African belt where significant exploration and mining activities are taking place. The company's approach to expansion involves building strong relationships with customers, understanding their equipment and operations, and providing tailored solutions to optimize mining processes and reduce costs. By focusing on delivering value and promoting operational efficiency, Vivo Energy aims to solidify its position as a key player in Africa's mining industry. As Vivo Energy continues to build momentum in the mining sector, its strategic investments and commitment to driving value creation are poised to unlock new opportunities for growth and expansion across the continent.