Mining sector refines young talent – its most valuable resource

The South African mining industry is evolving, placing a greater focus on young talent as a critical asset for the sector’s growth and success. With youth unemployment at an all-time high, the mining industry is seizing the opportunity to integrate young professionals and entrepreneurs, helping to shape a more inclusive, sustainable, and innovative future for the industry.

As the sector continues to innovate, collaboration across various economic and social spheres is key. The growing number of young professionals entering the mining sector is evident, particularly at the 2025 Investing in African Mining Indaba, which showcased a dedicated Young Leaders Programme. This initiative featured inspiring speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to support emerging talent in the sector.

Engaging Young Voices

A significant theme that emerged at the event was the need for the mining industry to engage with the youth in a way that speaks to their values, especially around inclusivity and sustainability. Young professionals, like Nomvula Mahlangu, a mining graduate at Sibanye Stillwater, are calling for more flexible learning pathways, mentorship structures, and leadership platforms to build a pipeline of talent that can drive innovation and change within the sector.

“I’ve been fortunate to access platforms like AfriMine and the Mining Indaba Influencer initiative, where my voice has been heard, valued, and supported,” says Mahlangu. However, she notes that while progress has been made, young professionals still face challenges in proving themselves within the traditionally established spaces.

Driving Impact Through Mentorship and Innovation

To attract young talent and help them thrive, there is a strong call for the industry to foster mentorship opportunities and create spaces that amplify diverse perspectives. A standout example is the R400-million Junior Mining Exploration Fund, designed to support junior mining businesses and provide significant funding to promote innovation in the sector.

Storytelling and Creating Purposeful Careers

Murendeni Makhado, a corporate water specialist at Impala Platinum Holdings, agrees that to truly resonate with the younger generation, the mining sector must invest in compelling storytelling that highlights the industry’s value to society, especially in sustainability, innovation, and community development.

“Young people want to work in environments that are inclusive, forward-thinking, and offer growth opportunities,” Makhado says. “Mining has the potential to make a real impact and provide meaningful work for those passionate about sustainability, engineering, and community development.”

A Vision for the Future of Mining

Both Mahlangu and Makhado are optimistic about the increasing integration of young talent in the mining industry’s strategic direction. Their contributions to the Mining Indaba 2026 Influencer Campaign further highlight the essential role young professionals will play in the sector’s transformation. This campaign, focusing on sustainability and innovation, is poised to amplify the voices of emerging leaders and redefine the future of mining in Africa.

“The next generation of mining professionals isn’t just the future of mining; they are the game-changers driving its evolution,” says Laura Nicholson, Mining Indaba’s content and communities director.

A Future Built on Sustainability

Makhado’s vision for the mining industry includes a regenerative, inclusive model that is deeply aligned with global sustainability goals. She aims to advance water stewardship, integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, and foster cross-sector collaboration to create a mining industry that not only extracts value but creates it for communities and ecosystems.

Similarly, Mahlangu sees mining as a platform for powering economies, advancing technology, and creating real-world change. “Mining can uplift communities, fund education, and support green transitions,” she explains. “It offers a wealth of career opportunities, from medicine to robotics and data analytics to tech and community development.”

A New Era for South Africa’s Mining Sector

The increasing number of young professionals in the South African mining sector is a sign of its ongoing transformation. As the industry adapts to changing global demands and embraces sustainability, young talent remains essential to its future success. For the next generation of leaders, the opportunities in mining are vast, and the industry’s evolution is just beginning.

Read more: How South Africa is unlocking better customer experience for businesses