The forthcoming African Mining Week, slated for October 1–3, 2025, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, promises to be a pivotal gathering for mining stakeholders from across the continent and beyond. As Africa emerges as a crucial player in global supply chains, the conference will spotlight the essential theme of mineral traceability and supply chain optimisation through a high-level panel discussion entitled “Mineral Traceability: Reshaping Global Supply Chains and Geopolitical Influence.”
This session will convene influential figures from both the public and private sectors, including mineral traders and certification bodies, to dissect how evolving traceability frameworks are catalysing investment and enhancing transparency—ultimately driving tangible economic benefits in Africa’s resource-rich regions. The importance of such initiatives cannot be overstated; Africa boasts significant reserves of critical minerals like cobalt, lithium, and copper, all vital for the global transition towards more sustainable technologies.
Countries across the continent have begun to implement innovative traceability mechanisms that not only bolster governance but also ensure that the mineral wealth benefits local economies. In Ghana, for instance, the establishment of the Ghana Gold Board in early 2025 serves as a centralised body for the purchase and trade of domestically produced gold. This initiative is designed to tackle illegal trade practices while enhancing the sector’s contribution to national GDP, representing a significant step in the journey towards improving mining governance.
Botswana is forging ahead as well, having announced a partnership with the G7 Diamond Technical Team in November 2024 to develop an export certification system for rough diamonds. This initiative, which is expected to be fully operational by 2025, aims to create a robust traceability framework for diamonds, similar to the advancements seen in Ghana. Furthermore, Namibia and Angola are poised to adopt similar certification protocols in 2025, reflecting a growing trend across the continent.
In Rwanda, the introduction of the Inkomane Trading System in October 2024 has revolutionised transparency across mining operations. This platform allows stakeholders to efficiently manage operations, payroll, and mineral trades while ensuring compliance with new exploration and production laws. UK-based company Aterian’s return to operations in February 2025 further underscores the push for regulatory compliance aligned with traceable practices.
The mining sector’s push towards enhanced traceability is gaining international support, evidenced by the launch of the Consolidated Mining Standard Initiative in October 2024. Spearheaded by the International Council on Mining and Metals, alongside other key stakeholders, the initiative seeks to harmonise existing mining standards under a single, comprehensive framework, promoting responsible sourcing across nearly 100 companies worldwide, significantly enhancing Africa’s footprint in global mining practices.
Moreover, the African Union has introduced the Pan-African Resource Reporting Code, establishing rigorous guidelines for public reporting that resonate with the Africa Mining Vision and Agenda 2063. This framework aims to foster sustainability and economic transformation across the continent, aligning with broader developmental goals.
Private mining companies are also harnessing technology to solidify traceability. De Beers, for instance, is utilising blockchain through its Tracr platform to track diamonds from Botswana. Similarly, firms in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including Cobalt Blockchain and Glencore, are piloting blockchain solutions for cobalt, ensuring robust traceability from source to market.
With these pivotal developments, the African Mining Week 2025 stands to highlight best practices and ongoing efforts within the continent, reinforcing the conversation around sustainable investment and accountability in resource utilisation. This gathering will not only foster dialogue among industry leaders but also serve as a catalyst for future partnerships and investments essential for the modernisation of Africa’s mining landscape.
As this sector anticipates a market value of $135 billion by the end of 2027, driven by increasing demand and supportive government policies, the African Mining Week will showcase the continent’s undeniable potential as a reliable partner in global mineral supply chains, further solidifying its role in reshaping the future of mining on a global scale.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
