The 11th Junior Indaba took place in Johannesburg on 27–28 May 2025, offering another platform for dialogue around the future of junior mining. Chairing the event was seasoned mining executive Bernard Swanepoel, who shared insights on the state of South Africa’s junior mining sector.

Swanepoel noted that while neighbouring countries like Namibia and Botswana are making significant progress by implementing effective systems and attracting investment, South Africa continues to lag. “We’ve made some progress, we’re implementing a cadastre system and have launched a small exploration fund but it’s moving far too slowly,” he said.

Also Read: SA cadastral system update: Western Cape first to launch

On the increasing volume of legislation, Swanepoel said juniors are calling for better implementation and fewer regulatory hurdles. “The appeal from juniors is clear: less legislation, better implementation, and space to explore and discover the mines of the future.”

Despite the challenges, Swanepoel spoke of the positive tone of the event, saying 60% of the discussions were dedicated to showcasing success stories. “Success breeds success. When companies share how they’ve thrived, whether in Botswana or the Northern Cape, it provides lessons and inspiration for others.”

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