ESI at Mining Indaba 2026: Mining and energy cannot thrive independently

These two sectors cannot thrive independently of each other

From copper to critical minerals, Africa’s mining sector is only as strong as the energy that powers it and that energy is changing.

These two sectors cannot thrive independently of each other. 

Much of the themes around this, including critical minerals and carbon emissions at mines, are covered by ESI Africa and the team is on the ground at the African Mining Indaba this week to track who is shaping the conversation and why it matters.

“One person of particular interest is the President of Zambia, (Hakainde Hichilema), who is delivering a keynote address,” said Nicolette Pombo-van Zyl, ESI Africa Editor-in-Chief. “While the President’s economic agenda prioritises reviving the mining sector, he has also consistently highlighted the need to increase energy generation capacity to reduce Zambia’s dependence on hydropower.”

Hydropower currently accounts for the bulk of Zambia’s electricity supply, at around 3,038 megawatts, leaving the system vulnerable during periods of drought- underscoring why energy diversification is now inseparable from the future of mining.

Cover photo:  sittipolphoto©123rf