The Indaba is one of the longest running events hosted at the CTICC.
“The mining industry was knocked hard in 2015 due to the slow economic growth and sharp decline in commodity prices. Companies employed rigorous cost-cutting measures, and pursued divestment and limited exploration strategies. There was also a realisation that any growth strategy could not dependent on China alone. The recent increase in commodity prices and gold exploration may mean that confidence is returning in the market and the Mining Indaba provides an opportune moment to discuss new opportunities, bold strategies and new frontiers,” says Julie-May Ellingson, Chief Executive Officer of the CTICC.
Billed as “Africa’s largest, most significant mining event”, the Indaba’s theme is “Leveraging the next wave of growth: How you can invest in African mining to make long term profits”. And connecting the world to Africa is a key part of the CTICC’s focus in hosting significant international events as these offer an ideal platform for African roleplayers to participate in, and benefit from, global developments.
“The CTICC has been a great partner over the years. Of course the size of the venue is important because it can easily accommodate an event of our size. The location is ideal. But most importantly are the people. We have had a fantastic working relationship with a number of individuals who truly care about the success of the event. We hope the relationship continues for years to come,” says Phillip LoFaso, the Indaba’s Director of Marketing and Public Relations.
Notable speakers on the programme include Mosebenzi Joseph Zwane, South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources; Bold Bataar, Chief Executive of Energy and Minerals at Rio Tinto – one of the world’s largest mining and minerals companies and Neil Froneman, CEO of Sibanye Gold, the largest individual producer of gold from South Africa.
The Indaba is also looking toward the youth to steer the industry. After its inaugural launch last year, the now annual Young Leaders Careers Development Programme has become an exciting feature of the event.
“The programme aims to get recent graduates and others studying in the related fields to meet HR professionals and listen to senior mining executives talk about the industry. This programme, together with our Sustainable Development Day initiative, is part of a wider effort to give back to the industry and continent,” says LoFaso.