This is a guest blog authored by Lilian Kagai Mugalla, a graduate Mining and Mineral Processing Engineering student from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. Lilian was one of the participants if the community voices video competition hosted by The Impact Facility, in partnership with Mining Indaba that invited community members, representatives of indigenous peoples in mining areas, civil society organisations, activists and visionaries to share their perspectives on what is needed to ensure an equitable, inclusive and responsible mining sector that serves as an engine for community development with the goal of transforming minerals wealth into lasting, multi-generational prosperity. 

Lilian attended Mining Indaba 2025 in Cape Town from 3 – 6 February in Cape Town, South Africa, and this blog summarises their experience at the conference.  More information about the competition is available here. 

On the 1st of February, my adventure to the African continent’s largest mining conference began. Accompanied by my family, I headed to the airport, bubbling with excitement and curiosity. This was not just a trip—it was a dream materialising, thanks to the support of Kenya’s mining industry professionals and The Impact Facility.

It all started when I stumbled upon an advertisement on LinkedIn for the Mining Indaba 2025 Community Voices competition. Driven by passion, I seized the moment, grabbed my helmet and reflector shirt, and set out to the engineering workshops to shoot a video. The backdrop had to be perfect—surrounded by fascinating mining engineering equipment. There’s something about big machinery that ignites my spirit! Fast forward a few weeks and an email landed in my inbox: I had won a free ticket to Mining Indaba 2024! The lesson? Always take a shot—because if you never try, you never win.

Before the main event, I had the privilege of showcasing my leadership skills by assisting Eng. Candice Jumwa in guiding and handling the logistics of the Community Voices team. This diverse group was buzzing with ideas on future-proofing mining communities.

Among us was Omaojor Ogedoh from Nigeria, a self-proclaimed “man with many lives” who had us in stitches with his humour. This team felt like home away from home—each person bringing their unique perspective and energy.

The real business kicked off, and I dove into one of the most crucial discussions: Harnessing the Full Potential of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM). Mining is here to stay, and ASM is an integral part of this future. Structured correctly, it can drive wealth creation, job opportunities, and economic upliftment. The takeaway? Collaboration is non-negotiable—ASM needs a multi-stakeholder approach.

Faith Mutate from Zimbabwe shared a shocking statistic: only 10% of ASM workers in her country are women. But she also brought a story of transformation—how formalisation opened doors for women in mining. This is proof that courage, ambition, and disruption can change an industry.

Mining has a profound impact on communities, and one session struck a deep chord: Disruption Required: Time for a New Deal with Local Communities.

One powerful statement stood out—“Expensive experts won’t solve the problem; empowering communities will.” Future-proofing mining communities means preparing them for life beyond mining, ensuring they don’t become ghost towns once the last mineral is extracted.

The conversation on Mine Closure was sobering. Policies exist, but real community engagement remains limited. The solution? It’s no longer “them” vs. “us”—we must all be part of the conversation to drive long-term sustainability.

Day 3 was all about leveraging stakeholder expertise to ensure sustainability. The message was clear: mining companies cannot be solely responsible for community development—entrepreneurs in mining regions must step up.

The discussion on cartels was particularly eye-opening. While they pose barriers to investors, they also shape local dynamics. The best approach? Governments, NGOs, companies, and communities need to harmonise their efforts to create sustainable solutions.

An Evening of Reflection: Community Voices Dinner

As the sun set over Cape Town, the Community Voices team gathered for a dinner celebration. The evening was filled with camaraderie, mining songs, and deep reflections on what we had learned. This initiative has provided a powerful platform for those often unheard in the mining sector, and we all left the dinner feeling inspired to create ripples of change.

The Voices for the Future workshop tackled a critical issue—youth employability in mining. The industry paradox is frustrating: entry-level roles require 5–10 years of experience, yet young professionals are rarely given the chance to gain that experience. How can they ever bridge this gap?

The solution lies in proactive learning—online courses, industry events, and continuous skill development. Mining is the backbone of modern life, yet advocacy for the sector is often overlooked. It’s time to embrace new skills and stay ahead of industry trends.

After four days of intense discussions, we treated ourselves to the breathtaking beauty of Cape Town. Standing at the shore, feeling the ocean breeze, and reflecting on our journey—it was a moment of gratitude. We knew that when we returned home, our mission was clear: to create a ripple effect, turning insights into action.

And what better way to wrap up my stay than by conquering the iconic Table Mountain? Its flat top, carved over millions of years, stood as a metaphor for resilience. Like the mountain, the mining industry faces winds of change but remains steadfast, adapting and standing strong.

Mining Indaba 2024 was more than just a conference—it was a movement. We didn’t just network; we set foundations for future opportunities. We didn’t just listen; we engaged. And we didn’t just attend; we became part of the conversation.

A heartfelt thank you to The Impact Facility and everyone who made this journey possible. This is just the beginning—I look forward to sharing the results of our work in the future. The mining industry is evolving, and we are the ones shaping its future.