Nairobi play host to Mining Forum

The mining investment opportunities in Kenya’s counties, case studies from successful mining projects, an update on the gemstone, artisanal and small-scale sector and how new technology can impact mining will be some of the focal points during the upcoming Kenya Mining Forum in Nairobi from 12-13 November.

The programme will also discuss how the mining sector can forge synergies with its manufacturing and discuss infrastructure counterparts as well as financing and regulatory challenges.

Here is a sneak preview of just some of the experts who will share their knowledge and experience at Kenya Mining Forum:

• “Base Titanium’s key message is to show the world what is possible to achieve in Kenya”

– Joe Schwarz – General Manager External Affairs and Development at Base Titanium, the returning exclusive diamond sponsors of the Kenya Mining Forum 2018. Joe is also part of a panel discussion during the conference on: “Experiences from within Kenya’s mining industry”.

• “We see the Kenyan mining industry rising to a position where relationships between investors, government and the communities are based on trust and confidence to drive investment”

– Richard Kiplagat, CCO and MD East Africa for africapractice, participating as a panellist during the investment breakfast themed: “Where does mining feature within Kenya’s investment deck of cards?”

• “BARRON has over 10,000 active distributors, with sales and distribution centres throughout South Africa, and branches and representation in Southern, Central, East and West Africa”

– Darryn Scheepers, head of Africa at BARRON, a gold sponsor.

• “The main challenge is legislative certainty for all investors, Kenyan and foreign. Another major challenge is access to finance for SMEs”

– Ms Wairimu Karanja, Director and Legal Consultant, EnVantage Law and Policy Consulting, and session participant in the conference on: “Making sense of financial matters: Seeking solutions for Kenya’s emerging mining industry.”

• “Looking to the future, we know the most viable and successful mines will be those that can harness the power of data and technology”

– Nick Venter, a mining engineer and General Manager Africa at Maptek, a silver sponsor.

• “It is important that local communities and counties are involved fully in the planning and development of the mining and quarry sector”

– Mairura Omwenga, Chairman of the Town and County Planners Association of Kenya (TCPAK), a supporting association at Kenya Mining Forum. He is also part of a discussion at the event on “Spotlight on the counties: Looking for attractive mining and quarrying investment opportunities”.

• “My vision is for the Kenyan mining industry to develop an inclusive, sustainable and transformative extractive sector”

– Prof Gituro Wainaina, Professor of Business Analytics, School of Business, University of Nairobi, Kenya. He also serves as Director of the Social and Political Pillars under the Vision 2030 Delivery Secretariat. In November, he is chairing a session on: “Embracing nouveau technology, digital applications and smart innovation for mining and exploration”.

• “I have been talking to the mining industry about leveraging Blockchain, especially in linking the industry to supply chains”

– Prof. Bitange Ndemo, Chairman, Kenya’s Distributed Ledgers & Artificial Intelligence Taskforce, Kenya, and panellist in the new technology discussion.

The expo is expected to be double the size of last year with more than 40 suppliers showcasing the latest local and international solutions and services for mining operations. Mining staff can hone their practical skills at the free technical workshops on the expo floor and there is a new outdoors equipment display area where some of the larger technology can be test driven.

Joining forces with investors
The third Kenya Mining Forum is hosted by the Kenya Chamber of Mines, the body that represents the interests of investors in the mineral development value chain, in collaboration with Spintelligent Ltd, a company recognised internationally for organising similar world class mineral related events around the continent.

Mining and infrastructure events
Other leading mining, infrastructure development, energy and agri events organised by Spintelligent on the continent include long-running flagship shows such as DRC Mining Week in Lubumbashi, Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja, Future Energy East Africa (formerly EAPIC) in Nairobi, Future Energy Nigeria (formerly WAPIC) in Lagos, African Utility Week in Cape Town and Agritech Expo Zambia.