Written by By: By Tshego Sefolo, CEO: Agile Capital
The 2025 Mining Indaba offered some valuable insights into the state and progress of Africa
and South Africa’s mining industries. It has also allowed for various organisations to reflect on
a possible future within the sector, along with an opportunity to define the potential roles
they may be able to play to garner success.
There were some key takeaways that resonated within the investment industry, both for local
and foreign investors directly and indirectly invested in the mining industry. As Agile Capital,
we remain active in the services segment of the mining industry and are committed to
generating growth for our investee businesses.
There is a pressing need for South Africa to take stock of the Critical Minerals we possess and
define the scope and the strategy for these particular minerals. Research from the Council of
Mineral Technology (Mintek) has demonstrated that there is an onus on the country to act
strategically and develop not only the necessary infrastructure but also to cultivate and
nurture subsequent downstream industries. It is also imperative that the opportunity that
these minerals present in economic terms be taken advantage of to ensure that this wave
translates into tangible development and economic prosperity for all within the value chain.
For example, within the platinum group of metals this would include the workers
underground, the automotive industry employees (catalytic converters) right through to the
craftsmen who create beautiful jewellery.
We’ve also seen that technology and innovation is developing rapidly within all industries not
just the mining sector. Often with businesses still not knowing how to apply or even
implement some of the technology available. The opportunities that come with the Internet of
Things (IoT) may not only have ramifications for systems and processes within the
engineering sector, but also with the uptick of employment with regards to a younger
generation. It has been noted that millennials possess a much more intuitive use of
technology and demonstrate more flexibility in the work place – beneficial traits as it means
rethinking the ways and means to achieve success in any business. Embedding technology in
any development plan for a mining or mining supply/service business is to ensure efficiencies
and continued growth. Harnessing the power of this tech-savvy generation will allow for skills
integration for the long-term success of the business.
Sustainability and ESG remain critical if mining as a sector is to meaningfully contribute to global
economic development. There have been a number of debates and discussions around this and
the consensus it that the entire mining ecosystem requires investment and improvement.
This includes (but is not limited to) water management, mine waste/tailings, energy solutions,
climate change (carbon footprint, greenhouse gases), hazardous substances, and mine closure.
It’s worth remembering that this not only benefits stakeholders as careful management can, by
ensuring the longevity of a mine, impact the surrounding community. A mine that manages its
surrounding environment for good, impacts the community it operates in positively too. Good
governance means managing resources responsibly, trustworthy reporting and sound practices.
Private Equity investment always includes robust governance implementation, and this practice
resonates positively within our investment community.
According to the PWC Beyond Mining 2024 report, a thriving mining industry is one which
requires growing upstream and downstream benefits for other industrial sectors, including
manufacturing and construction. This will in turn impact the local economy via greater
demand for staff, machines, equipment and products etc. This also depends on investment,
the implementation of B-BBEE as per the mining charter and the alignment of B-BBEE
strategies with broader ESG goals is crucial for attracting investment and ensuring
sustainable development.
With 2025 showing the potential to be a year of guarded financial recovery, mining across the
globe will continue to look to business leaders and investors for guidance and clear signals as
to the way forward. Investors who are committed to go beyond the economic motives of what
success and progress actually mean will be required to step up. It’s going to take significant
effort to find a balance between making profits and serving the greater good for the South
African mining sector.
