Africa targets local beneficiation as 2026 Mining Indaba opens

Efforts to leverage Africa’s mineral resources are top of the agenda at the annual Mining Indaba on Monday.

The four-day gathering of mining giants, financiers, government, and community leaders kicked off earlier at the Cape Town Convention Centre.

The focus of this year’s talks is on practical solutions that will build confidence, competitiveness, and long-term benefits for the continent’s economies.

Mining remains central to Africa’s economic story, supporting jobs, underpinning infrastructure, driving exports, and supplying the minerals that the global economy increasingly depends on.

In his opening address on Monday, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis told delegates that the real opportunity is not only what is mined out of the ground but also in how mining can support long-term development in Africa.

This includes building local supply chains, creating skills, supporting communities, and contributing to stable, growing economies.

He also says it’s not just about mining but about confidence in Africa.

Africa as a whole is abundant in mineral resources like gold, copper, cobalt and toher metals that are key to manufacturing processes around the world.

The mining and extractive sector contributes a significant share of Africa’s exports, revenue, and GDP annually.