More than 8 000 professionals, repre- senting more than 110 countries, are expected to attend the twentieth annual Investing in African Mining Indaba, which is being sponsored by about 500 companies and will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from February 3 to 6, says US-based event organiser Mining Indaba LLC MD Jonathan Moore.

He tells Mining Weekly that, despite the challenging market conditions currently facing the mining industry, many companies worldwide regard the event as a “must-attend conference”, where they receive information about potential mining business opportunities in Africa. “With 19 years of history behind the Mining Indaba, we believe our audience’s participation at this event is critical to furthering their pursuits on the continent,” says Moore.

Since its inception in 1995, the Mining Indaba has become an effective way to secure foreign investment in Africa, as it is attended by key players in the African mining industry, including investors, mining executives, government leaders, analysts and other stakeholders.

“Because of the limitless opportunities one can discover at any point in the African mining value chain, the world has made this event the destination for all things related to African mining,” he says, adding that a twentieth Mining Indaba exemplifies what 20 post-apartheid years means to South Africa.

“The Mining Indaba represents how much a country is able achieve when it tears down its walls and allows the world to experience all the riches it has to offer,” says Moore.

Moreover, he adds that the Mining Indaba has made significant contributions to the Western Cape economy, as hosting so many professionals in Cape Town during the event has proved to be a strong economic driver for tourism, which benefits from the influx of business.

“Organising the Mining Indaba has given the organising team a wealth of life and business experience. The most important lesson we have learned is to appreciate the value and opportunities the event offers to the global mining community.

“Essentially, the Mining Indaba is more than just an event – it is a global deal- making and networking platform for global investors and Africa’s mining companies. Understanding the uniqueness of the event determines how we prepare for a business networking conference unmatched by any other,” highlights Moore.

He adds that the success of the event can be attributed to the delegates that attendees meet at the conference, as “an investor can meet at least one critical player at every phase of the African mining value chain”.

Intensive Planning
Moore says a large portion of the organis- ing team is based in the US. However, since Mining Indaba LLC took ownership of the event in 2005, the company has “developed solid business relationships with many South Africa-based partners who form an integral part of the Mining Indaba brand”.

He notes that Mining Indaba LLC has more than 30 partners – including printing, event management, technology and public relations companies – but adds that the CTICC has been its strongest and most supportive partner throughout the years.

“The quality of the individuals behind these partnerships has been a strong asset to the company and it has been critical in ensuring the yearly success it has had with the Mining Indaba,” he says.

Moore adds that African mining has received billions of dollars in foreign investment, which can partly be attributed to contacts established at the Mining Indaba.

“Throughout the years, we have seen companies increase their brand awareness and presence at the event. The increasing demand from government organisations to participate in the Ministerial forum, the number of new companies wanting to exhibit at the event and the growth of new investments on the continent from companies that debuted at the Mining Indaba indicate that important transactions are made at the event,” he explains.

Moore notes that the event focuses on bringing the world to Cape Town, with strong participation from Australia and countries in Europe and Africa. He adds that there has also been greater interest and participation from Asian countries.

“As the indaba continues to become more global, the demand for customising the conference experience becomes that much greater. Every professional comes to the Mining Indaba with his or her business agenda and trying to meet the expectations of 8 000 people is a significant challenge. However, our commitment to keep the Mining Indaba true to its core mission of dedication to the capitalisation and development of mining interests in Africa enables us to deliver the experience our audience is looking for.”

Moore tells Mining Weekly that the orga- nising team has had to deal with the usual challenges relating to logistics and having to stay on schedule, as well as having to deal with factors impacting on the market, such as fluctuating currency prices, which influence the planning of an event of this scale.

“However, we work closely with our partners, such as the CTICC and hotels, to deal with our logistics challenges and stay true to our commitment of delivering a world-class experience to reassure our audience that their investment in this event will yield positive outcomes,” he says.

International Speakers
Moore notes that the company invests signifi- cantly in attracting quality speakers to the Mining Indaba, providing the audience with access to global leaders and experts in their respective areas as part of the event’s global leader series.

When determining who will speak at the event, he explains that the programming team “works to identify a combination of global game changers – thought leaders who share a holistic view on regional, national and macroeconomic policy, as well as industry insights.

“Through months of research, interviews and suggested feedback from our audience, the programming team undertakes a rigorous search of potential candidates and ultimately selects those individuals who would bring a fresh and practical perspective.”

Moore promises an “impressive line-up” of global speakers for the 2014 Mining Indaba. “They will deliver the message that Africa’s natural riches continue to be an enticing opportunity for investors. Last year, many inspiring and powerful women stole the spotlight and truly impressed our audience,” he adds.

First Investment Discovery Forum
As a precursor to the event and in support of the development of African mining, the organisers will host the first invitation-only Investment Discovery Forum on January 31 and February 1, which is designed to showcase emerging opportunities in Africa, featuring junior mining companies with impressive investment opportunities.

“This exclusive forum will provide investors with ample exposure and opportunity to learn more about these companies and the untapped opportunities associated with them,” Moore notes, adding that companies attending this forum are invited based on their proprietary standard.

Preconference workshops, which Moore describes as “intense three-hour working sessions that the current conference agenda cannot support”, will take place on the first day of the Mining Indaba.

He notes that Mining Indaba LLC felt compelled to include the workshops in the event’s agenda because of growing demand from Mining Indaba newcomers for extra time to discuss “the categorical areas currently offered at the event, such as highly detailed discussions on the overview of mining, the history of the continent’s riches and the pivotal role it will play in the future”.

International Agenda
The commodities review and outlook forum, which is led by global leaders in their respective commodity sectors, will also take place on the first day of the event.

Moore believes this forum “sets the tone for deal-making opportunities at the Mining Indaba, as attendees gain insight into the global demand for and supply of metals and minerals indigenous to Africa”.

Day two of the conference will feature the mining Ministerial forum, which provides a platform for mining Ministers and African governments to discuss the investment climate in and the economic policies of their respective countries.

“Attendees of this forum have access to information which is otherwise difficult to obtain. It provides a high-profile platform to showcase African governments’ progressive economic policies.”

A forum for non-African government presentations will also be held on February 4 and 5, enabling representatives to discuss their respective countries’ initiatives and investments in Africa. Attendees will gain insight into current and future investment opportunities in Africa and the elements driving those investments through presentations by international policy leaders.

Day two and three of the Mining Indaba will feature the Corporate White Paper Presentations, which was introduced in 2012 to meet the demand of several companies operating in the African mining value chain that do not meet the criteria for main-stage presentations.

Parallel sessions were established for these companies to provide a platform on which they can present their activities and the opportunities they offer to an audience aiming to connect with specialist service providers operating in a particular region.

Sustainable Development
One of the major themes that will be discussed at the 2014 Mining Indaba will be sustainability in the mining industry.

“The Sustainable Development sessions at the Mining Indaba are presented in collaboration with the UK-based International Council on Mining & Metals (ICMM). The organising team of the ICMM selected the advisory committee to ensure that the topics discussed at this year’s indaba address the critical issues that impact on mining companies, their investors and the industry at large,” Moore says.

He notes that many of the mining companies that attended the event last year emphasised their sustainable mining practices. However, he adds that the Mining Indaba does not dictate the theme of what mining companies should speak about on stage.

“We leave it to the executives to discuss the important practices that are pushing their companies forward,” he says.

Moore further mentions that, as Africa is becoming more of a major player in the global mining industry, it would benefit African mining companies to champion sustainable mining practices, thereby garnering foreign capital.

“This year, we expect to hear more about the advancement of these types of initiatives and how they are being aligned with new projects,” he says.

Another highlight of the 2014 Mining Indaba is the gala dinner, which will be held on February 4, in collaboration with global mining giant Anglo American. The dinner is reserved for event VIPs.

“Each year, the organising team invites a different group of about 1 000 VIPs to the gala dinner to ensure that our global audience can enjoy a unique evening at a South African vineyard.

“This special collaboration with Anglo American provides a relaxing social networking event for our participants, which also showcases some of South Africa’s heritage and culture,” he notes.

Supporting Education in Mining

As part of its corporate social responsibility initiative and commitment to education, the Mining Indaba event organisers established a bursary programme, in 2013, in partnership with South Africa-based student financial aid organisation EduLoan. They also help bursary students administer their funds correctly to ensure sound financial management.

“This year, Mining Indaba LLC will reaffirm its commitment to invest in educating South African mining students and underprivileged youth so that the mining industry can benefit from highly motivated and highly skilled individuals who will continue to improve the industry and explore unchartered territories.

“Based on our discussions with EduLoan, the increased amount of $30 000 that we have secured for 2014 will cover the university fees and additional fees, such as books and meals, for four students,” says Moore, enthusing that the Mining Indaba will impact on the lives of these students, which will subsequently, in the long term, impact on the mining industry.

In addition to the bursary programme, Mining Indaba LLC will donate $2 500 to an undisclosed South African education charity to supply younger students in need with the basic requirements necessary for an adequate education.

Moore highlights that one of the main themes for the organiser of the 2014 Mining Indaba is its commitment to give back to South Africa, which is why Mining Indaba LLC will host a fundraising golf tournament, in collaboration with South African golf professional Ernie Els’ Els for Autism Foundation, and the Ernie Els wine estate. The golf tournament will take place at the Pearl Valley golf course on February 2.

“Ernie Els is globally recognised for his golf talent, but not recognised enough for his raising of an autistic child. Given his ties to South Africa and his noble cause, we thought it ideal to partner our golf tournament with this golfing icon.”

Moore explains that a portion of the proceeds from the golf tournament will go to the Els for Autism Foundation.

He expresses his gratitude to the global mining community and South Africa for twenty years of continued support, describing South Africa as a “gracious host” to the global professionals who attend the Mining Indaba each year.

“In 20 years, we have accomplished many great feats, together with our partners; and as the Mining Indaba looks ahead to a new decade, we hope to achieve higher goals and make more of an impact on African mining,” says Moore.

Remembering a Giant
After the tragic passing of former President Nelson Mandela, the event organiser expressed its condolences to the Mandela family, the South African government, its extended Mining Indaba family and all South Africans.

“There are no words to describe the enormity of what Mandela represents to the world and how his legacy will impact on an infinite number of generations to come. He is a symbol of peace and freedom and embodied the struggle for equality, not just for South Africa, but for everyone around the world.

“Although there is great grief in the passing of Mandela, we are thankful for the path he has created for the world to follow. May the days of sadness pass and his light continue to shine in the heavens above us. We shall never forget this great humanitarian,” the company says.

“It is hard to grasp a world without Madiba. His legacy touches all four corners of the earth; his struggles and achievements will be unequivocally the greatest contribution to our history and he will be greatly missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, all South Africans and the many people he touched in his lifetime,” concludes Moore.