Eastern Cape set to unlock its mining potential at the 2025 Mining CSI Indaba

As South Africa's mining sector continues to evolve, the Eastern Cape province is preparing to assert its presence on the mining map with the upcoming 3rd Annual Eastern Cape Province 2025 Mining CSI Indaba, taking place from 30th to 31st October 2025 in East London.

The organisers of the CSI Indaba have indicated that while the Eastern Cape province is not formally recognised as a mining region, there is potential that mining can catapult the province to the centre of the mining industry.

With a strong emphasis on youth and women development, this flagship platform will feature speakers and delegates from various industries, including mining industry leaders, government officials, investors, academia, development finance institutions, SMMEs, and community representatives.

This year’s theme, “Unlocking the Full Mining Value Chain for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development,” reflects the province’s bold vision to harness its untapped mineral and human capital potential.

This will be done through integrated, community-driven, and future-focused approaches.

Held with the sole purpose of promoting local beneficiation, skills development, youth participation, and supplier development, and driving inclusive participation across the entire mining ecosystem, the 3rd instalment of the CSI Mining Indaba has become the province’s most trusted mining gathering in the province.

Responding to the interest shown in the gathering one of the the organisers Thando Mandela said there is untapped mining potential that has been overlooked by the industry for many years now.

“The Eastern Cape Mining Indaba (ECMI) was inspired by the urgent need to unlock the untapped mineral potential of the Eastern Cape and to ensure that mining becomes a key driver of inclusive economic growth and sustainable community development in the province.

“While the Eastern Cape is not traditionally recognised as a major mining hub, it has historically played a vital role as a labour-sending area—particularly to major mining provinces like Gauteng, North West, and Limpopo. Regions such as the former Transkei and parts of the Sarah Baartman District have rich human capital and communities deeply linked to South Africa’s mining heritage,” she said.

Mandela stated that by leveraging the Eastern Cape’s geographic location, skills base, and infrastructure potential, the province has a lot to offer, with the event seeking to attract young people and women into the fold.

“The end goal is to ensure that the mining sector recognises and supports the Eastern Cape as a potential contributor to the national mining economy. This Indaba is a call to action: for government, private sector, communities, and investors to work together to ensure that the Eastern Cape is not forgotten or left behind.

“This is a collective effort rooted in pride, potential, and purpose—because we love our province, and we believe it deserves a seat at the table in shaping South Africa’s mining future,” she added.