This is a guest blog authored by Dr.  Matondo  Estrela Garcia Cardoso, Researcher, Adviser & Consultant, African Research Consortium (Angola). Dr. Estrela is one of the ten (10) winners of the 2026 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 reflect on the MI26 theme, “Stronger Together: Progress Through Partnership,” and how it relates to their lived experiences.

Dr. Estrela attended Mining Indaba 2026 in Cape Town from 9 – 12 February in Cape Town, South Africa, and this blog summarises their experience at the conference.  More information about the competition is available here.

In February, I had the chance to attend the 2026 Investing in African Mining Indaba conference in Cape Town, one of the biggest events in the mining industry. It was an amazing experience that allowed me to learn, share ideas, and connect with professionals from all over the world. Reflecting on it, I can say it was truly valuable.

What stood out the most for me was the variety of ideas shared throughout the panel discussion I was a part of, “Stronger Together in Practice: Building Meaningful Partnerships in Critical Mineral Communities.”We discussed everything from new mining technologies to the importance of sustainability and responsibility in the industry. I was inspired by the commitment to making mining more ethical and sustainable.

It was particularly powerful to hear how others are addressing challenges like environmental impact and community development. It reminded me how important it is to combine economic growth with responsibility for people and the planet.

One of the best parts of the event was the opportunity to collaborate with others. Mining Indaba wasn’t just about networking; it was about forming partnerships that could lead to real change. I had valuable discussions about the challenges we face in Angola, like creating local jobs and improving community health, and learned how others are tackling similar issues.

Mining Indaba wasn’t just a chance to learn; it was a reminder of our responsibility. It showed me that we all play a role in improving not just our businesses but the communities and environments we work in. I left feeling more committed than ever to making a difference, especially through the work I do in Angola, where I aim to create lasting social impact.

A big thank you to Impact Facility for making this experience possible. Their incredible work in organising events like this is truly appreciated. I’m grateful for the opportunity they helped provide and look forward to future collaborations.

After the conference, I feel more motivated than ever. The connections I made and the insights I gained are inspiring me to continue pushing for responsible and sustainable practices in the mining industry. I’m excited about what’s ahead and the positive changes we can make together.