KEY POINT
- Young innovators in African mining are driving technological change.
- New leaders promote sustainability and workers’ rights in mining.
- Africa’s mining future depends on its emerging young innovator
Africa’s mining sector is experiencing a transformative shift, driven by a new generation of young innovators who are redefining industry standards and practices. These individuals are not only advancing technological solutions but are also championing sustainable and inclusive approaches within the sector.
Grace Akinyi: Pioneering sustainable mining practices
Grace Akinyi is the CEO of Women in Mining (Western Kenya) and a trailblazer in promoting gender diversity and sustainable practices in Africa’s mining industry. Her leadership was recognized when she won the 2024 Mining Innovation and Research Battlefield, an annual platform that highlights innovative solutions to the mining sector’s pressing challenges.
Akinyi’s approach focuses on integrating artisanal mining with large-scale operations, bridging the gap between small-scale miners and major industry players. Her goal is to promote a “just energy transition,” which ensures the shift to cleaner energy sources does not come at the expense of vulnerable communities. Through her advocacy, she is helping to redefine mining as a more inclusive and environmentally conscious industry.
Kitso Phillip Phiri: Advocating for workers’ rights in Botswana
Kitso Phillip Phiri serves as the Executive Secretary of the Botswana Mine Workers Union, where he plays a pivotal role in protecting workers’ rights. His primary mission is to ensure decent work conditions, equitable resource governance, and sustainable development within Botswana’s mining industry.
With a background in legal and policy advisory roles, Phiri emphasizes corporate compliance and social accountability. His advocacy focuses on ensuring that workers have a voice in negotiations with mining corporations and policymakers. He has also been instrumental in ensuring that mining companies adhere to social impact guidelines, safeguarding community welfare.
Phiri’s efforts have led to significant improvements in health and safety protocols for mine workers in Botswana. He also promotes educational programs to help miners transition into new roles as the sector embraces automation and digital transformation.
Mondli Magagula: Leading geological innovations in South Africa
Mondli Magagula is a Principal Geologist and Geotechnical Engineer at Exxaro, a South African mining giant. His remarkable contributions to geological and geotechnical innovation earned him a spot on the list of the “200 Most Outstanding Young South Africans” in 2020.
Magagula’s work focuses on advancing modern geological practices and enhancing geotechnical analysis, which helps mining firms improve resource extraction efficiency. He is known for his role in developing risk assessment models that predict potential hazards in underground mining environments.
In addition to his technical contributions, Magagula is a mentor for young geologists and engineers, encouraging the next generation to take up roles in the mining sector. His commitment to knowledge sharing and technological advancement has positioned him as one of Africa’s most influential young figures in mining.
Empowering the next generation of mining professionals
Africa’s mining sector is preparing the next generation of leaders through various initiatives like the Young Leaders Programme at the Investing in African Mining Indaba. This program nurtures young talent, providing a platform for them to engage with senior industry leaders, learn from industry case studies, and showcase their skills.
The Young Leaders Programme highlights young professionals under 35 who have driven major mining discoveries, innovations, and advancements in key areas such as water management, mineral recovery, and health and safety. Participants of this program have gone on to secure leadership positions in multinational mining corporations.
Competitions like the Mining Indaba “Innovation Battlefield” bring visibility to new ideas that can address some of Africa’s most pressing mining challenges. Participants develop solutions in areas such as sustainable mining, automation, and responsible sourcing of critical minerals.
