This is a guest blog authored by Sonwabo Modimoeng, a Social Entrepreneur and CEO of Faded Black Innovations. Sonwabo is one of the winners of the community voices video competition hosted by The Impact Facility, in partnership with Mining Indaba that invited community members, representatives of indigenous peoples in mining areas, civil society organisations, activists and visionaries to share their perspectives on what is needed to ensure an equitable, inclusive and responsible mining sector that serves as an engine for community development with the goal of transforming minerals wealth into lasting, multi-generational prosperity.

Sonwabo attended Mining Indaba 2025 in Cape Town from 3 – 6 February in Cape Town, South Africa, and this blog summarises their experience at the conference.  More information about the competition is available here.

Following the recent Mining Indaba held in Cape Town, South Africa, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the impactful discussions and collaborative efforts that emerged from this year’s theme, “Future-Proofing Mining Communities.” The event brought together diverse stakeholders, including industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and community representatives, to explore innovative strategies for ensuring sustainable development and resilience in mining-affected communities. As we move forward, I believe there is a significant opportunity to build on these insights and translate them into actionable strategies.

From my perspective, this year’s theme truly underscored a pivotal shift in the mining industry, highlighting the growing recognition of communities as integral stakeholders in the sector. The focus on enhancing shared value and fostering collaboration demonstrated a commitment to more inclusive and sustainable approaches. As a speaker, the experience was profoundly overwhelming yet empowering. For the first time in my life, I found myself engaging directly with industry giants—CEOs and diplomats—individuals whose decisions shape the future of mining. It’s an experience I will forever cherish. What made this opportunity even more impactful was the platform it provided to amplify and represent the voices of mining communities. To my surprise and delight, the room was not only receptive but genuinely willing to listen. This openness and willingness to engage signify that change is not only possible but already underway.

The sessions I attended, as well as those panelled by my colleagues, were incredibly insightful. It became evident that the challenges faced by mining communities are not unique to one region but resonate globally. What stood out to me was the realisation that these communities often hold the solutions to their own problems, underscoring the importance of inclusive engagement and empowerment.

The panel discussion I participated in, “Communities We Leave Behind: Mine Closure,” was particularly emotional and deeply personal for me. Having witnessed firsthand the devastation that poorly managed mine closures can inflict, I felt a profound connection to the topic. These closures often leave communities grappling with generational and systemic poverty, as I currently observe in local areas where infrastructure is being demolished with little to no regard for the people who remain. The discussion highlighted the urgent need for mining companies to adopt a more responsible and forward-thinking approach to mine closure planning.

Beyond this, I gained valuable insights from my colleagues on artisanal and small- small-scale mining (ASM), a sector that holds immense potential for driving local economic development when properly supported. The exhibition sessions were equally enlightening, showcasing groundbreaking technologies that could revolutionise the industry. I was thrilled to make meaningful connections during this time, including potential long-term partnerships with organisations like Breadline, whose work aligns with the vision of sustainable community upliftment.

The value of the Mining Indaba is immense and truly life-changing. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to The Impact Facility for making it possible for me to be part of this extraordinary occasion. This experience will forever remain a significant highlight in my life.

One of the most transformative outcomes of the Indaba was its impact on my professional journey. I am thrilled to share that it opened the door for me to join Pan African Resources, where I have been invited to contribute to driving meaningful change from within the organisation. This opportunity would not have been possible without the belief and support of David Sturmes-Verbeek, Laura Cornish, and the entire team. Your trust in me has forever changed my life, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Looking ahead, my observation and hope are clear: we, as community representatives, would love the chance to be invited back to next year’s Indaba. This would allow us to showcase the tangible achievements we’ve made using the knowledge and connections gained from this year’s event. By demonstrating progress, we can continue to contribute to our countries’ and communities’ sustainable growth and development.