Africa's mining future takes center stage at Mining Indaba

Africa's mining future has taken center stage at the 2025 Investing in African Mining Indaba, with discussions around sustainable practices and economic diversification being key topics of conversation. South Africa's Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, is leading the country's delegation at the conference, which officially kicks off at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. One of the key speakers at the event was Djami Diallo, Minister of Environment for the Republic of Guinea, who shared insights on Guinea's approach to future-proofing mining and ensuring environmental preservation in the country's mining projects. Diallo highlighted Guinea's commitment to balancing economic development with environmental conservation, especially in the context of the Simondou iron ore project, which is touted to be the world's largest. The project, located in the southern part of the country, poses challenges in terms of environmental impact due to the construction of major infrastructure such as a 600-kilometer railway and a port. To address these challenges, Guinea has implemented strict environmental standards, including national regulations, IFC performance standards, and equator principles. The country's vision, under President Mamadi Doumbouya, focuses on preserving Guinea's rich biodiversity while driving economic growth through strategic projects like the Simondou 2040 program. This program aims to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on mining revenues over the next 15 years. Diallo emphasized the importance of investing in human capital, with a portion of mining revenues allocated towards funding national and higher education programs. By offering scholarships to Guinean students in fields like engineering and sciences, Guinea aims to develop a skilled workforce to drive sustainable development. In light of the challenges posed by fluctuating commodity prices and global economic trends, Diallo acknowledged the need for Guinea to diversify its economy and mitigate risks associated with over-reliance on mining revenues. The minister highlighted Guinea's commitment to regulatory compliance and honoring contractual obligations with mining companies to ensure transparency and promote local value addition. With a focus on local beneficiation, Guinea aims to encourage investors to participate in the country's mining sector while contributing to sustainable development and economic growth. Diallo's insights shed light on Guinea's progressive approach to sustainable mining practices and economic diversification, positioning the country as a promising destination for mining investment in Africa.