The mining paradigm is changing on the continent of Africa. Jessica Kogel’s closing statement from her September 2013 President’s Page (ME, September 2013, pp. 6) has never been more appropriate, “Africa is shaping up to be the next mining powerhouse, and there is huge opportunity for local communities, national governments and private industry to work together to create a win-win situation for all.” Supporting this notion, attendance at numerous industry conferences around the world demonstrates the shift toward a more sustainable, more environmentally conscious extractive model. But questions remain: How effectively is the industry making this transition, and how willing are companies to learn from the experiences of others?
