Expanding business horizons in African mining

The 2024 Joburg Indaba, a pivotal event in the mining industry, is currently underway at the prestigious Inanda Club in Sandton. This year marks the 12th edition of the event, bringing together prominent mining stakeholders for insightful discussions on the future of the sector amidst the backdrop of the new Government of National Unity. One of the key figures present at the event is James Smith, the CEO of DRA Global, a leading engineering firm specializing in large-scale mining projects. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa's Keamogetswe Mosepele, Smith shared invaluable insights on the mining opportunities and growth prospects in the African mining landscape. Smith highlighted the significance of industry gatherings like the Joburg Indaba, emphasizing the rare opportunity it provides for industry players to convene, exchange ideas, and address challenges collectively. He stressed the importance of hearing perspectives from various industry stakeholders to better understand the sector's evolving landscape and collaborate on finding innovative solutions. Reflecting on the current economic environment, Smith expressed optimism about the South African mining sector's outlook. He noted a heightened sense of positivity among industry participants at this year's event, attributing it to reduced uncertainty in key areas such as power, energy, and infrastructure. The CEO underscored the pivotal role of attracting capital investment to drive growth, create employment opportunities, and propel the sector forward. In terms of sustainability, Smith underscored the interconnected nature of investment, job creation, and environmental considerations in shaping the mines of the future. He emphasized the increasing focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria in investment decisions, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices and community upliftment in mining operations. Addressing the global positioning of South Africa in the mining market, Smith emphasized the critical need for government support, policy certainty, power security, and infrastructure development to bolster investor confidence and drive economic growth. He also highlighted the importance of fostering intra-regional trade within Africa to enhance collaboration, resource sharing, and the development of sustainable value chains. As the mining industry navigates challenges and opportunities on multiple fronts, the insights shared by James Smith shed light on the strategic priorities and collaborative efforts needed to drive growth, sustainability, and innovation in the African mining sector.