Editor’s Comment

Four days, over 35 600 steps and lots of excitement. That pretty much sums up my four days at Mining Indaba 2022 in Cape Town on 9 to 12 May 2022.

Xan Moeketsi (left) and Dineo Phoshoko on the final day at Mining Indaba

We came, we saw, we conquered!

Armed with hard copies of our vaccination certificates and registration barcodes, we managed to successfully collect our badges without any hassle. After a few minor delays, things were back on track and we hurriedly made our way to the main stage. Rushing to our destination, it felt like me and my colleague, Xan, were part of an episode of The Amazing Race.

Time to execute

We made it just in time and managed to get to the main stage before proceedings started. So far, everything was going according to plan despite a little glitch here and there. Now it was time to get to work. Over the next four days, a few things were on my to-do list: sharing instant updates with the Mining News audience via social media, jotting down notes for stories, as well as taking pictures and videos.

In addition, we were also executing video interviews for clients, organising a venue for interviews, and liaising with PR and the Inside Mining team back in Joburg to finalise unconfirmed interviews. At one point, in the middle of a speech by President Ramaphosa, I had to confirm and organise a time for another video interview and let Xan know all at the same time. Thankfully, the unobtrusive nature of WhatsApp was my saving grace here.

Time also had to be allocated to attending pre-planned sessions where possible; I had to find time to walk the floor, make contacts and keep an eye on any interesting booths and developments. And, of course, I had to take every opportunity to do a bit of marketing as well, detailing our 360-degree content marketing solutions to prospective clients. I mean, if you don’t market yourself, who will? In-between all the above, there were a few social engagements with acquaintances in the industry. And when the day was over, sleep seemed a luxurious, well-deserved treat. Then, rinse and repeat!

The point of it all

With all said and done, there are two important takeaways from Mining Indaba 2022. First, Africa continues to remain a major player in the global mining space. With all the challenges the continent faces, Mining Indaba proved once again that there is still a huge appetite for mining in Africa. Investment in exploration, licensing, regulatory frameworks, artisanal mining, and the responsible sourcing of minerals are a few of the many challenges that need to be addressed for mining to flourish on the continent. Conferences such as Mining Indaba create much-needed platforms to address various challenges and find a way forward.

Second, teamwork makes the dream work. Although cliché, it is the truth. Had it not been for the great team of individuals at 3S Media, this trip would have been a complete flop. While Xan and I were slaving away in Cape Town, our colleagues back in Joburg were equally hard at work keeping the home fires burning in our absence.

I feel like I can’t say thank you enough. A special thanks to Xan as well. It was her first Mining Indaba and she did an outstanding job! We’ll soon be sharing some of the awesome content inspired by the conference with our audience. But until then, enjoy this issue of Inside Mining.

Dineo

EDITOR Dineo Phoshoko (dineo.phoshoko@3smedia.co.za) HEAD OF DESIGN Beren Bauermeister CHIEF SUB-EDITOR Tristan Snijders PRODUCTION & CLIENT LIAISON MANAGER Antois-Leigh Nepgen GROUP SALES MANAGER Chilomia Van Wijk PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Jacqueline Modise DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Nomsa Masina DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR Asha Pursotham BOOKKEEPER Tonya Hebenton SUBSCRIPTIONS subs@3smedia.co.za ADVERTISING SALES Amanda De Beer Tel: +27 (0)72 600 9323 / +27 (0)87 802 5466 Email: amanda.debeer@3smedia.co.za

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