The Mining Indaba forum is an annual event held in Cape Town, South Africa, that gathers key players in the mining industry to discuss investment opportunities. This year, over 10,000 attendees are expected, with the central theme of 'Advancing through partnerships'. The participating governments aim to establish long-lasting collaborations with investors, moving away from traditional extraction models that have seen local resources leaving countries too quickly.

Officials and delegates at the forum are emphasizing the need for a new paradigm in mining that not only benefits investors but also ensures that the countries where resources are sourced can derive more value. The push for sustainable partnerships suggests a shift towards a model that prioritizes local development, industrialization, and responsible resource management. Examples of aspirations to create industrial value chains are already being showcased by officials, highlighting a growing recognition of the need for systemic changes in the sector.

As South Africa continues to grapple with the socio-economic challenges facing its mining sector, the outcomes of the Mining Indaba could potentially reshape its approach to mining investment and policy. By striving for partnerships that prioritize sustainability and equitable benefit-sharing, South Africa aims to leverage its mineral wealth more effectively, creating new opportunities for growth and development while addressing historical inequalities in the sector.