Cape town: Africa's mining sector is poised for a significant transformation as producers intensify exploration, develop new mines, and expand mineral processing capacity to meet the escalating global demand for strategic minerals. Across the continent, billions of dollars are being invested in projects designed to increase production, enhance value addition, and position African countries as more competitive players in global mineral supply chains.
According to African Press Organization, African Mining Week (AMW) 2026, recognized as the most influential mining conference in Africa, will assemble the companies spearheading these investments. The event, scheduled to take place in Cape Town from October 14-16, will feature producers advancing major projects across Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, and South Africa, focusing on projects, partnerships, and financing that are shaping Africa's next generation of mining development.
Leading this momentum is KoBold Metals, which commenced its $2 billion Mingomba Copper Project in Zambia in May 2026. This project, one of the country's largest new mining developments, is expected to produce 300,000 tons of copper annually by the early 2030s. It aligns with Zambia's goal of increasing national copper production to three million tons per year by 2031. The company is also leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced geological modeling to expedite mineral discovery across the DRC and Burundi. Mfikeyi Makayi, CEO of KoBold Metals, will discuss the impact of technology-driven exploration at AMW 2026.
Makor Resources is also contributing to Zambia's expanding copper pipeline by advancing exploration at the Muli and Kangili copper projects. Brooke Bibeault, CEO of Makor Resources, will outline the company's $30 million investment strategy, emphasizing its role in reinforcing Zambia's status as Africa's second-largest copper producer.
In the DRC, Buenassa is supporting efforts to enhance value from mineral resources through domestic processing. Eddy Kioni, CEO of Buenassa, will present the company's integrated mining and mineral processing strategy, including a multi-metal processing facility in Lualaba Province. Currently in the feasibility stage, the refinery project is expected to produce 30,000 tons of LME-grade copper cathode and 5,000 tons of cobalt metal annually in phase one, with plans to expand capacity in future phases.
In Ghana, Typhoon Greenfield Development is focused on strengthening the artisanal and small-scale mining sector. Kwaku Afrifa Nsiah-Asare, CEO of Typhoon Greenfield Development, will discuss best practices for formalizing artisanal mining and attracting private investment to bolster production in one of Africa's leading gold-producing nations.
Meanwhile, Sean Meadon, Senior Geologist at South African producer Gold Ore, will highlight the company's Turnbridge underground and New Kleinfontein opencast projects. These initiatives aim to revitalize South Africa's gold sector and align with broader efforts to increase domestic output amidst strong gold prices, with first production targeted in 2026.
By bringing together producers, governments, investors, and technology providers, AMW 2026 will explore the partnerships, financing, and innovation necessary to leverage Africa's abundant mineral resources for sustained economic growth and industrial development.