The Impact of Political Change and Technology on Africa's Mining Sector

In this episode, we chat with Warren Beech, CEO at Beech Veltman, a leading mining, natural resources and energy focused law firm with a specialist team in mining, infrastructure, and natural resources. Warren is a highly accomplished and recognised mining, natural resources, infrastructure, and environmental law specialist. He provides multi-disciplinary legal and related services to the mining industry which includes health and safety, environment, anti-bribery and corruption / human rights, fair employment practices, community and social aspects, Black Economic Empowerment and transformation. He covers some of these topics above and discusses the challenges that the African mining industry is facing from many different angles. He will be also attending the Mining Indaba in February so be sure to reach out to him if you have any questions. KEY TAKEAWAYS The African mining industry faces systemic challenges such as regulatory uncertainty, infrastructure issues, and energy supply constraints. Political changes and the demand for greater citizen participation in mineral wealth are also significant factors impacting the sector. Compliance with safety regulations is crucial, and understanding the human impact of mining accidents can drive better safety outcomes. The approach to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices in mining has often become a tick-box exercise, which undermines its effectiveness. A more substantive approach is needed to ensure that ESG principles genuinely contribute to sustainability and community well-being. The Stilfontein illegal mining crisis highlights the socioeconomic drivers behind illegal mining activities, which are often linked to poverty and unemployment. Addressing these root causes and facilitating small-scale mining licensing could help mitigate the issue of illegal mining. BEST MOMENTS "The biggest challenge at the moment in Africa and the mining sector are the changes that are happening all along... political change is going to be one of the key themes for 2025." "Illegal mining has been around for a long time... What is unique and new about it is just the sheer scale of it." "If we were able to make it easier for small-scale miners to get licensed, then you'll start pushing out the illegal miners." "Health and safety is critical... The adoption of the zero harm principle is vital. I mean, everybody must be able to go home safely every day." VALUABLE RESOURCES Mail:        rob@mining-international.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ X:              https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast  Web:        http://www.mining-international.org This episode is sponsored by Hawcroft, leaders in property risk management since 1992. They offer: Insurance risk surveys recognised as an industry standard Construction risk reviews Asset criticality assessments and more Working across over 600 sites globally, Hawcroft supports mining, processing, smelting, power, refining, ports, and rail operations. For bespoke property risk management services, visit www.hawcroft.com GUEST SOCIALS www.beechveltman.com warren@bv-inc.co.za https://www.linkedin.com/company/beech-veltman-inc/ https://x.com/BeechVeltman ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics.