Active industry stakeholders will be at Mining Indaba

24th January 2014 By: Anine Kilian - Contributing Editor Online

Having attended every Investing in African Mining Indaba to date, international law firm Mayer Brown will, once again, attend this year’s indaba, which the company believes is the most significant event for those involved in the African mining industry.

Everybody who is active in the sector will be in one place for three days, states Mayer Brown global mining head Ian Coles.

“We attend the indaba to maintain contacts with existing clients and old friends in the market and to leverage our exposure to the African mining sector to see which new relationships we can build,” he notes, adding that he plans to listen to presentations and visit the booths to stay abreast of developments and breaking trends.

Coles points out that he is particularly interested in attending the presentations by government Ministers and sponsors of new projects.

“This is because Mayer Brown is frequently engaged in discussions with Mining Ministries, so details of any new policies are always helpful. The firm is always aiming to become involved in new projects,” he explains.

Coles adds that, though the company has identified specific targets pertaining to deals that the firm aims to strike at the event, it is not appropriate to identify them.

“We have no hard and fast numbers. We will, however, host a dinner for clients and friends on February 4. We have been doing this for several years and about 80 people have confirmed that they will attend,” he adds.

“The indaba is a litmus test for the vibrancy of the industry in any particular year. It is a well-attended and confident event that provides a springboard for activity during the year. It is a genuine meeting place for the development of new business. In that sense, all of Africa benefits,” he concludes.