Stronger Together: Mining Community Voices at MI26

Why local communities and Indigenous peoples should attend Mining Indaba 2026

As the global mining industry converges on Cape Town for Mining Indaba 2026, the theme of “Stronger Together: Progress Through Partnerships” places inclusive dialogue and equitable development at the heart of the conversation. For local communities and indigenous peoples, who are most directly impacted by extractive projects, this is more than just a conference. It’s an opportunity to reclaim agency, influence policy, and demand sustainable, respectful, and mutually beneficial mining practices.

Local communities are those residing in or near areas of mining activity, including rural settlements, farming groups, and urban peripheries whose livelihoods, land rights, and environments are directly affected by mining.

Indigenous peoples are culturally distinct groups with ancestral ties to territories where mining may occur, often governed by customary laws, languages, and traditional leadership structures. In the African context, this includes groups such as the San, Himba, Maasai, and others whose heritage and identity are inextricably linked to the land.

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Why your presence at Mining Indaba 2026 matters

A platform for representation

Mining Indaba offers unparalleled visibility. Participation ensures communities are not spoken “about” but spoken “with”.

Policy influence

Engaging with policymakers, companies, and financiers allows communities to shape ESG frameworks, land-use planning, and benefit-sharing agreements.

Knowledge exchange

Exposure to legal tools, grievance mechanisms, environmental safeguards, and community impact assessments empowers attendees to negotiate from a position of strength.

Solidarity and visibility

Networking with other indigenous and local groups fosters collective advocacy and amplifies the call for justice and equity.

Holding industry accountable

Direct dialogue with mining companies and investors enables communities to raise concerns about displacement, water access, cultural heritage, and long-term environmental impacts.

What to expect in 2026

Mining Indaba 2026 puts communities and Indigenous voices at the centre of the conversation. Through a dedicated content theme, next year's event explores how mining can become a true partner in local development—protecting cultural heritage, fostering skills, and creating lasting opportunities.

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Spotlight Sessions

Tuesday 10 February 11:00 - 11:45

Mining investment for Shared Prosperity

Mining companies are under growing pressure to deliver value not only to shareholders but also to the communities where they operate. Innovative financing models are emerging around the globe, from revenue-sharing agreements and blended finance partnerships to community bonds and equity stakes. This session will explore how miners, investors, and governments can reframe community engagement as an investment strategy rather than a compliance exercise.

Tuesday 10 February 15:05 - 16:00

Can regional alliances amplify positive community impact?

WHAT IF mining companies actively collaborated to deliver transformative community projects – actively on the ground during life- of-mine operations but also by pooling cash towards legacy funding for post mine closure? Regional mining alliances could unlock larger, more strategic investments that go beyond individual efforts. By pooling resources, aligning goals, and coordinating action, these alliances could dramatically amplify the scale and sustainability of community benefits.

Wednesday 11 February 12:00 - 12:45

Has global instability improved Africa’s relative attractiveness to investors?

With volatility in traditional markets, investors are re-evaluating risk across the board. Does a more uncertain global environment make Africa’s growth story more compelling, or does it amplify existing concerns?

Wednesday 11 February 13:50 - 14:35

Can partnerships pave the way for Africa’s communities to benefit from Africa’s critical minerals?

Africa is currently at the centre of a geopolitical scramble for transition minerals. It creates a once in a lifetime opportunity for the growth of Africa’s communities through long term value addition and investment into communities and infrastructure… However, this outcome is far from certain. There is a reality where the riches of Africa’s critical minerals end up in the hands of a small group of people, many of which are outside of Africa, and communities never see true beneficiation. This session explores the transformative potential of strategic partnerships in ensuring that Africa’s communities derive meaningful and lasting benefits from the continent’s vast reserves of critical minerals

Wednesday 11 February 15:10 - 16:00

Can regional alliances transform mine closure into economic renewal?

Building on the provocative question posed in Tuesday’s community-focused session – “What if mining companies actively collaborated to deliver transformative community projects?” – this session explores how that same spirit of collaboration can be applied to mine closure.

WHAT IF coordinating action enabled mining companies to unlock larger, more strategic investments that amplify post-closure economies well beyond the life of the mine? This session will showcase how regional alliances can support post-mining economic transitions, fund legacy infrastructure, and deliver value to impacted communities.

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Join Us at Mining Indaba 2026

Communities

Who qualifies:

Mining-Affected Community Leader, ASM Representative or Cooperative Member, Civil Society or Community-Based Organisation, Faith-Based Organisation, Youth or Women’s Representative, Indigenous Peoples or Traditional Land Custodian, Regional or National Civil Society Network, International NGO Working with Mining Communities, Activist or Human Rights Defender

Please note: community registration involves a short pre-qualification stage before access to the main registration form