This is a guest blog authored by Omaojor Ogedoh, the Executive Director Ziva Communities. Omaojor 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.

Omaojor 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.

Attending the African Mining Indaba 2025 (MI25) was a dream come through and it was really an enriching experience, it was especially significant for me because of the strategic theme: Future Proofing African Mining Today. Thanks to The Impact Facility for making this a reality. The theme directly speaks to the work and engagements I carry out in the mining host communities in Nigeria. Having the honour of serving as a panellist at one of the industry’s largest and most respected gatherings was a unique and humbling opportunity. For anyone not familiar with the event, the Africa Mining Indaba is a premier platform that brings together industry leaders, policymakers, stakeholders, and experts from across the globe to discuss the future of mining. It’s a place where critical discussions about sustainability, innovation, and the evolution of the sector unfold.

Attending MI25 came with a lot of experience to reflect on, especially on my role serving as a panellist at this prestigious event.

Being part of MI25 as a Speaker gave me a front-row seat to a range of discussions I wouldn’t have had the chance to experience otherwise. The Local Communities disruption panels themed: Strengthening social cohesion and sustainable partnerships between traditional communities and the mining sector was focused on: 

1. Assessing the social, environmental, and economic impacts of mining on traditional communities 
2. Examining how traditional leadership can effectively engage with mining companies and the government and establish effective partnerships 
3. Explore mechanisms to balance surface and underground mining rights 
4. Propose actionable solutions to promote social cohesion and address environmental degradation

Hearing from other panelists gave me a different perspective to the issues in the sector. I realise that mining is an industry in constant transformation, driven by new technologies, sustainability efforts, and global economic shifts. As we delved into the topic: Disruption Required: Time for a new deal for local communities, I received divergent views around responsible mining practices, advancing technology, and the need for more transparent supply chains. I found myself learning just as much as I was contributing. It was an opportunity to hear perspectives from experts across various mining destinations who all shared a unified goal: to make mining more efficient, ethical, and sustainable for the benefit of the communities. 

I was privileged to sit and listen to other panels like: What needs to change to harness the full potential of ASM? The panel critically looked at what worked, what didn’t and what needs to change to ensure that the artisanal and small-scale mining sector formalises and professionalises across the continent. Experts from the voices of the host communities and other professionals gave their perspectives, and for me, my take away was that the voices of the communities need to be heard louder, especially women’s voices; This is coming from the backdrop that women constitute a significant number of stakeholders in the mining host communities. Their needs need to be prioritized by mining companies in the spirit of future-proofing mining host communities.  

The panel also analysed how to pivot from pilot projects and short-lived interventions to sector-wide change. They did this by disecting the Ivorian gold sector and the Congolese cobalt sector, countries that I believe have made significant progress in their mining sectors. 

One of the most rewarding parts of the experience was the chance to engage with fellow panellists on and off the stage and experts who are all lending their voices and expertise to the mining sector. The diversity of backgrounds and expertise in the room provided rich, thought-provoking conversations. Whether it was discussing how mining companies can balance profitability with community stewardship or the importance of creating more inclusive opportunities in mining communities, the discussions were always thoughtful and stimulating.

The Voices of the Future: Young Professionals Perspectives on the Controversies Surrounding African Mining session featured young people unpacking their beliefs on Africa’s mining industry and defending their views on community, health and safety, and the environment. 

I was also privileged to sit back and listen to young professionals creating some level of impact in the sector. Diversity was not just a buzzword, it was something being actively integrated into the conversation, especially in how we can support new talent and perspectives in the industry. Seeing young persons who have navigated their way through the mining sector and are creating real impact was something I found fascinating. The learning for me is that the African Mining industry has a good future if these young minds are engaged accordingly. 

It was said that there is no industry without skills, no career without education, and no competitive future unless the industry and all who work in it constantly learn and adapt. Experts and next-generation leaders explored the importance of mentors and career planning, academia and the role of institutions, practical learning as an undervalued skill, career pivots and individual flexibility. 

One of the themes, Protecting mining workers’ safety through international cooperation, stood out to me because the role of collaboration among all stakeholders in the mining value chain was emphasised. Whether it’s governments, mining companies, local communities, or environmental groups, there was a clear need for each one to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.

The session critically looked at joint effort in terms of how far polices and laws protects workers’ rights. The session further looked at the extent to which abour issues find articulation in African mining regimes and economic development policy frameworks. 

The learning for me is that mining is not a standalone endeavour; it requires input from multiple sectors to make informed decisions that benefit not only the industry but also the planet and the people living in mining regions. This became especially clear during the discussion on responsible mining practices. They spoke about the need for transparency in operations, better community relations, and the importance of addressing social issues, such as workers’ rights and the impact of mining on local ecosystems. These conversations underscored the fact that mining is a shared responsibility and that collaborative efforts are key to overcoming the challenges ahead. 

Looking Ahead: The Road to Future Proofing the Mining Host Communities was the last session I attended. Experts gave the following as the solutions to future-proofing mining host communities:

1. Building resilient communities that will exit the mines 
2. Starting beyond the lifespan of the mines. That means as you plan to mine, you should have a perspective of life after the mining ceases.
3.  Chief Executive Officers of yesterday should be different from the future
4. Co-creating our mindset
5. Empowering women is the silver bullet to future-proofing mining host communities 
6. Mining companies should stop creating their own mining towns. Management team should stay within communities 

As MI25 came to a close, I was left with a strong sense of optimism about the future of the mining industry in Africa. The challenges are vast, but so are the opportunities. The drive toward sustainable mining is not just about environmental protection—it’s about creating better lives for the people who rely on the sector for their livelihoods.

For those of us involved in the mining industry, whether in leadership, policy, or on the ground level, this moment in time is crucial. We have a unique opportunity to shape the future of mining, ensuring that it remains a cornerstone of global economies while being socially responsible and environmentally conscious.

In conclusion, my experience at the Mining Indaba 2025 was not only an honour but also a reminder of the immense responsibility that comes with being part of such an impactful industry. It’s clear that through collaboration, innovation, and continued dialogue, the mining sector can drive positive change that benefits not just the industry but the world at large.

Until next time, I remain committed to advancing the conversations we started at the Mining Indaba, and I look forward to continuing to play my part in shaping the future of mining in Africa. 

Best Regards 

Omaojor Ogedoh

Voice of the Mining Host Communities