This is a guest blog authored by Kgomotso Mokone,  a Mining Engineering student leader at the University of the Witwatersrand. Kgomotso is one of the winners of 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. 

Kgomotso 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.

My journey in the African Mining Indaba started off with a competition in which individuals had to express their opinions about future-proofing mining in mining communities. As a student from a mining community, naming interests that would lead to more exposure and knowledge regarding mining was a key focus for me in future-proofing mining. That is when I sent a 3-minute-long video expressing these ideas of how I see mining continuing in not just my community but in all. With that, The Impact facility offered me an opportunity to attend the African Mining Indaba.

As a first-time attendee, I could not navigate around the event without guidance, but with the help of The Impact Facility team and Lilian Mugalla, I found my footing through the week by attending different panel discussions, workshops, meetings, interviews, and networking. It is not a challenge to create a video alone in a room, but when it came to having a voice around so many influential and prominent professionals, it became difficult. The way in which the event was organised was helpful in the sense of being able to navigate through different items happening concurrently.

The event used an app where I could pre-plan my days by showing interest in a panel discussion, and the item would be directly scheduled into my calendar. As we are all aware, we are moving into a technological space, and the Mining Indaba being able to implement an easier way to keep organised and schedule for potential connections through setting meetings showed how technology-orientated the event was, flaunting its advancement.

The key theme for the year was future-proofing mining, of which, in the welcoming ceremony, I loved how they brought about changes. They had a young leader presenting alongside a prominent presenter for the Mining Indaba. That was a step towards achieving the theme of the event, which was being implemented through bridging the gap between generations.

Thereafter I attended a series of panel talks, which positively shifted my viewing of mining. Before, all I knew was South African mining, but in panel discussions, they were focused on diverse perspectives on specific topics focused on mining, such as improving ASM and the likes of mine closure. Hearing industry professionals on where their minds are set and their plans for generations to come was truly inspirational because it felt like it was a lesson for me and fellow youth to carry out so that we ensure the benefits of mining increase. Sustainability, I believe, is one of the contributing factors in future-proofing mining. Who knows better than the communities in mining? One of the panellists had made a remark that if mining
communities were certain that once a mine closed, they would still have means of life, there would not be so much dispute between mines and their host communities.

From the panel discussion, I learnt that a mine’s closure plan is just as important as the exploration and estimated value of the ore extracted because just as the ore brings life to the communities at the beginning, it’s importance to the community does not immediately cease once mining activities come to an end.

One of the takeaways I got from the young leader’s program was to not limit myself to just one thing I have learnt in school but to have other options within the scope of the industry and be open to learning more skills that would broaden my abilities. There are many free courses online that one can take and use to up-skill themselves.

Another milestone I have reached or taken a step towards was being interviewed by TDi and media teams. Never could I have imagined being put in the spotlight to share my thoughts and speak in front of a few people. However, it helped me improve my communication skills and taught me how to prepare beforehand and prepare for any other expected questions. I feel fortunate to have met Omaojor, Faith, Lawrence, and Sonwabo, the other community voices winners because they showed me the ropes as leaders in the industry.
My experience was overwhelming, but I will keep in mind wherever I am the following:

• Always have a business card at any social networking event.
• Always try to make connections.
• Be communicative.
• Brand yourself and advertise.

If I could get another chance to attend the African Mining Indaba, I would. With more knowledge of the event, I would maximise my potential for making connections. To the Impact facility, this opportunity was influential; it has helped me grow as a mining enthusiast and as a young leader. I am truly grateful for the experience.