MINTEK@90 Conference Kicks Off with Great Expectation for Industry Innovation and Global Collaboration
The day has arrived! The highly anticipated MINTEK@90 Conference opens today, marking the beginning of what promises to be a groundbreaking event at the Sandton Convention Centre on November 11th and 12th, 2024. This landmark gathering brings together some of the world’s most influential figures in mineral and metallurgical innovation, setting the stage for a transformative dialogue on the future of the industry. In commemoration of Mintek's 90th anniversary, the conference aims to showcase major breakthroughs and outline strategic future directions essential to a dynamic, sustainable minerals sector.
Dr Molefi Motuku, Mintek’s CEO, shared his excitement over the calibre of experts in attendance and the vast scope of expertise represented. He noted that the conference is arriving at a crucial time for South Africa, with the country’s mineral sector looking to attract new investment and rejuvenate its impact on the global stage. “The MINTEK@90 Conference is not just a milestone celebration but a strategic platform for innovation,” he remarked. “Bringing together the brightest minds globally, we are poised to spark transformative change and lead our sector toward a new era defined by sustainability and technological advancement.”
With an exceptional roster of speakers, the conference has drawn leading voices from across sectors:
Mr Mzila Mthenjane, CEO, Minerals Council South Africa
Ms Daphne Mashile-Nkosi, Executive Chairperson, Kalagadi Manganese
Prof Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector, United Nations University, Japan
Bernard Swanepoel, Chair, Manganese Metal Company
Prof Nosipho Moloto, Nedbank SARChi Chair, Wits University
Prof Malcolm Powell, Professor, Sustainable Minerals Institute, University of Queensland, Australia
Mr George Bennett, CEO, Rainbow Rare Earths
Prof Thokozani Majozi, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Wits University
Frans Baleni, Former General Secretary, NUM; leader in mining, finance, education, and environmental industries
Ravi Naidoo, CEO, Youth Employment Service (YES)
Dr Paul Jourdan, African Integrated Development Expert and Independent Consultant
Mr July Ndlovu, CEO, Thungela
This distinguished line-up promises invaluable insights for the industry, with their contributions setting the tone for vibrant discussions across panels and sessions. Papers from global researchers and practitioners will also be presented, ensuring a truly international platform for the exchange of knowledge.
Dr Motuku further highlighted the strategic themes selected for the conference, underscoring the relevance of critical minerals, energy, emerging technologies, and environmental solutions. “Our focus on these topics is intentional. We aim to tackle issues that are fundamental to the mineral sector's future—such as resource scarcity, environmental impact, and sustainable energy solutions. By addressing these themes, we are equipping our industry to navigate and overcome these complex challenges successfully. Additionally, the conference will examine the evolving role of people in the industry, recognising what needs to be in place for the entire sector to be future-fit.”
As it begins, the MINTEK@90 Conference is poised to be a defining moment for the minerals and metallurgical sectors. With the diverse perspectives represented, the conference aims to foster innovation, support sustainable development, and provide solutions to the challenges facing the industry in the 21st century. Key highlights will include a keynote address by Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Mr Gwede Mantashe, panel discussions with leaders across industry, government, and academia, technical sessions showcasing the latest research and technological advancements, and interactive workshops encouraging collaboration and networking.
For more information and registration details, please visit the conference website or contact:
Elvis Tshweneyame
Email: elvist@mintek.co.za