The University of Johannesburg (UJ) will convene the Mining Summit 2025, a landmark gathering marking both the University’s 20th anniversary and the 100th anniversary of its Mining School. The summit comes at a crucial moment for South Africa’s mining sector, as the sector grapples with pressing challenges such as rising operational costs, declining commodity prices and US 30% unilateral tariffs on imports as well as unreliable energy supply and transportation infrastructure.
The event will bring together senior government officials, industry leaders, investors, researchers, traditional leaders and other community representatives to address the future of mining in South Africa. Among the distinguished guests will be the Director-General of the Department of Minerals and Petroleum Resources, Mr Jacob Mbele and the Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg, Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.
The Summit is anchored in UJ’s values of innovation and inclusivity and aligns with the University’s sustainability and societal impact strategic objectives, which are underpinned by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Programme Highlights
Three high-level panels will address:
- Advancing Mining Excellence: UJ’s Role in Shaping a Sustainable Future
- This session will showcase the University’s leadership in mining education and the role of the School of Mining in fostering sustainable community development.
- Professor Hendrik Grobler, Head of Department: Mining Engineering and Mine Surveying (MEMS), will provide an overview of UJ’s mining education footprint.
- Dr Mbali Mpanza, Deputy Head of Department: MEMS, will outline future educational developments in the department.
- Mr Alex Fenn, Vice President: Innovation and Technology, Sibanye-Stillwater, will offer an industry perspective.
- Unlocking Critical Minerals: Sustainable Innovation for a Resilient Future
- Keynote address by Mr Maxwell Gomera, Resident Representative for UNDP South Africa and Director of the UNDP Africa Sustainable Finance Hub. This session will explore how critical minerals such as copper and lithium can strengthen South Africa’s economic resilience, with an emphasis on education, innovation, and people-centred technologies.
- Sustainable Mining and National Prosperity
- Keynote address by Mr Mike Teke, former UJ Chair of Council and CEO of Seriti. This discussion will examine responsible mining practices, strategies to counter illegal mining, and the potential role of a sovereign wealth fund in driving long-term national development.
Professor Hennie Grobler, Head of UJ’s Mining School, explains the urgency of the summit: “Mining has been central to South Africa’s economic story for over a century. Today, the sector faces unprecedented challenges, from illegal mining to the urgent need for sustainable practices. This summit is not about talk but rather about shaping solutions that bring government, industry, and communities together to build resilience and shared prosperity.”
Says Professor Daniel Mashao, Executive Dean, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE): “As one of Africa’s oldest mining schools, UJ has a responsibility to lead conversations that matter. By aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the country’s exploration strategies, we aim to contribute to a mining future that is innovative, inclusive, and sustainable.”
Ends.
Note to the media:
Media Opportunities
- Access to high-level panel discussions with national policymakers and industry leaders.
- Tours to the simulation mine at the Doornfontein (DFC) Campus
- Quotes, soundbites, and commentary from UJ leadership, summit participants, and experts.
- Coverage of milestone celebrations marking 20 years of UJ and 100 years of the Mining School.
Event Details
• Date: Friday, 22 August 2025
• Time: 08:30 – 15:30 (programme to be shared)
• Venue: UJ Arts Centre, Auckland Park Kingsway (APK) Campus
