Connect with us

Events

South Africa Strengthens Workforce Readiness Ahead of Critical Minerals Boom

Published

on

Energy Capital

African Mining Week 2026, scheduled for October 14–16 in Cape Town, will highlight initiatives by South Africa and other African mining markets to equip their workforce for the anticipated surge in the global critical minerals sector

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, February 25, 2026/APO Group/ –As South Africa accelerates the expansion of its critical minerals sector – including plans to unlock an estimated R40 trillion in iron reserves – skills development has become a cornerstone of its long-term growth strategy. By targeting R2 trillion in investment over the next five years, the country recognizes that a well-trained workforce not only drives operational efficiency but also strengthens investor confidence, positioning South Africa as a globally competitive hub for critical mineral investment.

 

Skills Development and National Critical Minerals Strategy

Enhancing skills development supports South Africa’s broader agenda of increasing employment opportunities and strengthening economic resilience, while channeling mineral wealth into local industrialization. The country aims to tackle youth unemployment by creating opportunities for 1.8 million young people by 2030. As one of South Africa’s largest employers, supporting nearly 900,000 jobs, the mining sector plays a critical role in achieving this goal.

In his February 2026 State of the Nation Address, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the expansion of public employment programs, including the Community Work Program and Presidential Employment Stimulus, to provide skills development and employment for youth and women. “For too many people, life remains hard. Jobs are scarce and opportunity is out of reach,” stated Ramaphosa.

The expansion of these initiatives and the country’s 2030 youth employment target align closely with South Africa’s critical minerals strategy, which prioritizes human capital development as a key enabler of industrial growth and energy transition objectives.

We want to contribute to South Africa’s agenda of empowering the next generation of miners while unlocking the country’s full mining potential

International Research Collaboration Strengthens Long-Term Skills Ecosystem

A major boost to workforce development in critical minerals was announced in mid-February through a partnership between the European Union (EU) and South Africa’s Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. The initiative includes €2 million in funding from the EU to establish a dedicated platform to strengthen skills development and research and workforce readiness across the critical minerals and battery value chain.

Part of the EU’s broader Clean Trade and Investment Partnership, under which €15.5 billion has been committed to strengthening South Africa’s critical minerals sector, the skills initiative aims to:

  • Expand Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutional capacity
  • Provide specialized training aligned with battery minerals, refining and recycling
  • Facilitate internships and Work-Integrated Learning placements with industry partners
  • Create employment pathways for graduates entering critical mineral industries

Complementing government and multilateral initiatives, private sector players are also investing in workforce development. In mid-February, mining major Anglo American announced plans to establish a Global Institute of Critical Minerals Research, bringing together universities and research institutions from South Africa, the UK and other global mining hubs.

“We want to contribute to South Africa’s agenda of empowering the next generation of miners while unlocking the country’s full mining potential,” stated Anglo American CEO Duncan Wanblad

With South Africa leading in terms of global production of platinum group metals, manganese and chrome – and now seeking to unlock its untapped iron ore potential – strategic skills development initiatives will strengthen the country’s position in the evolving critical minerals space.

African Mining Week 2026: Driving Collaboration and Investment

Against this backdrop, the upcoming African Mining Week conference, scheduled for October 14–16 in Cape Town, is set to play a key role in advancing dialogue on workforce readiness, investment and strategic partnerships. The event will convene policymakers, mining companies, academic institutions and global investors to assess Africa’s preparedness to meet rapidly growing global demand for critical minerals, which is projected to quadruple by 2040.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Energy

S&P Global Energy, CLC Solutions and Colibri Bring Market Intelligence to African Mining Week (AMW) 2026

Published

on

Leading market intelligence and advisory experts will examine the investment trends, policy reforms, infrastructure and local content strategies shaping the future of Africa’s mining sector at this year’s African Mining Week

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, July 27, 2026/APO Group/ –The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) 2026 – Africa’s Most Influential Mining Conference, taking place October 14–16 in Cape Town – will feature experts from leading market intelligence and advisory firms, including S&P Global Energy, Colibri Business Development and CLC Solutions, across high-level panel discussions and exclusive networking sessions.

 

With the continent holding around 30% of the world’s critical mineral reserves, these firms are providing strategic insights into market trends, policy reform and investment opportunities while supporting governments in developing competitive regulatory frameworks that attract international capital.

Experts from S&P Global Energy will lead several strategic discussions throughout the event. As African governments prioritize mineral beneficiation and downstream industrialization, building competitive value chains has become central to mining policy. Atul Arya, Chief Energy Strategist, will join the Strategic Minerals: Developing a Value Chain that Works for Africa ministerial panel, offering insights into the policy and investment strategies needed to strengthen regional value chains.

Regional infrastructure development will also feature prominently at AMW 2026. Rahul Kapoor, Vice President and Head of Shipping & Metals, will examine investment in transport corridors and cross-border infrastructure during the Regional Connectivity: Financing Africa’s Mineral Infrastructure panel, highlighting projects such as the Lobito Corridor and TAZARA Railway and their role in supporting regional industrialization.

Addressing operational challenges across the sector, Gavin Montgomery, Critical Minerals Market Lead, will participate in the Accelerating Mineral Production: The Energy, Water & Waste Nexus panel. He will explore strategies to improve mining competitiveness through reliable energy supply and sustainable resource management as operators increasingly adopt renewable power purchase agreements, onsite generation, power wheeling and long-term fuel supply agreements to strengthen operational resilience.

Broader geopolitical dynamics will also take center stage at AMW 2026. Thomas Rodriguez, Local Content Director and Developer at CLC Solutions, will participate in the Africa’s Mining Opportunity in the Geopolitical Sphere session, examining how global competition for critical minerals is reshaping investment flows and creating new opportunities for African mining jurisdictions.

As governments intensify efforts to increase in-country value addition, local content and supplier development have become central to mining policy. Ileana Ferber, Founder and CEO of Colibri Business Development, will join the Strengthening Local Content in Africa’s Mining Supply Chain panel to discuss strategies for expanding local procurement, developing competitive supplier ecosystems and increasing the participation of domestic businesses across Africa’s mining value chain.

By convening market intelligence firms, advisory experts, policymakers, investors and mining leaders, AMW 2026 provides a platform for informed dialogue that supports investment decisions and advances the sustainable development of Africa’s mining sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Continue Reading

Energy

Venezuela Energy Week to Host Houston Industry Showcase, Unlocking United States (U.S.) Commercial Engagement Ahead of October Summit

Published

on

Ahead of Venezuela Energy Week 2026, U.S. exploration companies, independent operators, oilfield service providers and investors are invited to explore commercial opportunities across Venezuela’s upstream sector at the Houston Industry Showcase next month

HOUSTON, United States of America, July 23, 2026/APO Group/ –Venezuela Energy Week will host an Industry Showcase in Houston on August 18, 2026: a targeted industry roadshow designed to engage U.S. energy stakeholders ahead of the October summit. Held at The Post Oak Hotel, the showcase will convene senior representatives from across the U.S. upstream ecosystem – including exploration and production companies, Texas-based independents, oilfield service companies, engineering and technology firms, commercial banks, private equity firms and family offices – to assess commercial pathways for participation in Venezuela’s energy sector.

 

As Venezuela looks to expand production, U.S. companies remain well positioned to contribute technical expertise, capital and operational capabilities across the upstream value chain. Chevron’s longstanding presence in the country highlights the continued importance of U.S. industry participation, while the scale of Venezuela’s resource base continues to attract interest from major international energy companies, including ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips. Opportunities extend across exploration, field development, production optimization, infrastructure rehabilitation and digital modernization as Venezuela seeks to strengthen its energy sector.

 

Demand is also expected to grow for oilfield service companies, engineering firms, technology providers and financial institutions that can support upstream investment and project execution. Companies including SLB, Halliburton and Baker Hughes have been identified as potential partners in advancing production optimization and infrastructure rehabilitation, while commercial banks, private equity firms and family offices will play an important role in financing future investment opportunities.

 

Against this backdrop, the Houston Industry Showcase will provide a structured engagement platform at a time when select international operators continue to operate under U.S. Treasury-authorized frameworks, and where policy considerations in the U.S. continue to shape engagement parameters in Venezuela’s energy sector.

 

The event will enable U.S. exploration companies, independent operators, oilfield service providers and investors to assess technical and commercial pathways across exploration, field services, project delivery and broader supply chain opportunities, while supporting early-stage dialogue between international investors and Venezuela-focused stakeholders in a structured commercial environment ahead of the October summit.

 

To register for the Houston Industry Showcase on August 18, visit www.venezuelaenergyweek.com/rsvp-houston. To learn more about delegate, sponsorship and partnership opportunities for the showcase or to secure your place at Venezuela Energy Week 2026 in Caracas this October, contact info@venezuelaenergyweek.com.

 

Supporting Venezuela’s Earthquake Recovery

 

Our thoughts are with the people and communities affected by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela. As the country begins the long process of recovery, we encourage members of the global energy community to support relief and reconstruction efforts through the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela, which channels contributions from individuals, companies and organizations to emergency assistance, essential services and long-term rebuilding efforts.

 

To learn more or make a contribution, please visit the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela (https://apo-opa.co/4fM0rLr).

 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Continue Reading

Energy

Gold Fields, Moore Global and Mali Chamber of Mines to Lead Gold Growth Dialogue at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026

Published

on

As record prices reshape investment priorities, industry leaders will examine the strategies, partnerships and financing needed to expand Africa’s gold production

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, July 23, 2026/APO Group/ –As African governments and mining companies accelerate efforts to expand gold production and capitalize on strong global demand, African Mining Week (AMW) 2026, taking place October 14–16 in Cape Town, will spotlight the policies, partnerships and investments driving the continent’s next phase of growth in the gold sector.

 

The event will feature a dedicated panel, Expanding Africa’s Gold Output, exploring strategies to increase gold production, formalize artisanal and small-scale mining and strengthen investment across the value chain.

The session will be moderated by Matt Banton, Head of Mining at Moore Global, and feature Fousseni Togola, President of the Mali Chamber of Mines, and Benford Mokoatle, Executive Vice President: South Africa at Gold Fields.

The discussion comes as the global gold market continues to strengthen. Gold prices have remained above $4,000 per ounce throughout 2026, supported by sustained central bank demand as countries increase gold reserves to diversify foreign exchange holdings and strengthen financial resilience. Across Africa, central banks in Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Egypt and Namibia have expanded gold purchase programs, reinforcing demand while creating new opportunities for domestic producers.

African gold-producing nations are responding by introducing reforms aimed at increasing production and improving sector governance. In Mali, the government is strengthening the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector as part of its strategy to maintain annual gold production above 60 metric tons. In July 2026, the country established the Malian Office of Precious Substances, a new state institution responsible for regulating and formalizing artisanal gold production across approximately 400 mining sites employing nearly two million people. At the same time, Mali continues to strengthen partnerships with major mining companies, including Barrick, B2Gold, Toubani Resources and Cora Gold, to sustain long-term production growth and attract additional investment.

At AMW 2026, Togola is expected to discuss how the Mali Chamber of Mines is supporting these reforms while highlighting the investment opportunities emerging across the country’s gold sector. His participation will explore the role of chamber members in expanding production, strengthening local participation and positioning Mali among Africa’s leading gold producers.

South Africa is also advancing initiatives to revitalize its gold industry through increased exploration and long-term mine investment. Earlier this year, the government expanded the Junior Mining Exploration Fund to R600 million, improving access to exploration capital for emerging mining companies and supporting efforts to unlock new gold discoveries.

Complementing these national initiatives, Gold Fields is investing R1.714 billion through 2027 to deepen its flagship South Deep Mine, positioning the operation as a long-life production hub well beyond 2030. Gold Fields’ Mokoatle is expected to provide an update on the company’s long-term investment strategy, highlighting how innovation and sustained capital investment are supporting South Africa’s efforts to strengthen gold production.

As investment accelerates across Africa’s gold sector, AMW 2026 provides a premier platform to connect governments, producers, investors and service providers, advancing the partnerships and capital needed to unlock the continent’s next phase of gold production growth.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Continue Reading

Trending

Exit mobile version