dss⁺ Mining Indaba 2023 – Vision for Sustainable & Resilient Mining Operations
dss⁺ Mining Indaba 2023 participation underscores the organisation’s commitment to transforming mining operations through sustainability, improved organisational capabilities and long-term operational resilience. As the annual Investing in African Mining Indaba returns to Cape Town, operational management consultancy dss⁺ is preparing to showcase its sustainable mining vision at one of the world’s most influential mining events.
The event comes at a critical moment for South Africa and the broader region as countries accelerate efforts to meet net-zero emissions targets by 2050. The transition from fossil-fuel-based energy systems to renewable power depends heavily on the availability of critical minerals such as copper, nickel, lithium, cobalt and graphite. These minerals are essential for everything from electric vehicles to energy storage batteries, and the global transition cannot proceed without a sustainable, secure and ethically operated mining sector.
The Need for Sustainable Mining Practices
As downstream industries seek reliable and responsible sources of critical minerals, mining companies are under increasing pressure to shift toward sustainability-driven operational models. This transformation requires engagement from a wide ecosystem of partners—including governments, technology providers, investors and local communities. dss⁺ emphasises that building sustainable mines of the future demands both strategic planning and the development of robust organisational capabilities.
Major shifts cannot be achieved in isolation. dss⁺ stresses that cross-sector collaboration is necessary to address systemic challenges such as safety management, emissions reduction, energy transition, and community impact. Organisational behaviour, safety culture and operational effectiveness are all essential components of achieving sustainability at scale.
How dss⁺ Supports the Mining Sector’s Transition
With decades of global expertise in operational excellence, sustainability and operational risk management, dss⁺ offers comprehensive solutions to help mining companies navigate the complexities of modernising their operations. Their work is especially relevant in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the firm is actively supporting mining, metals, oil and gas, chemicals and manufacturing companies to build resilience.
Johan Coetzee, Global Mining and Metals Director at dss⁺, explained: “We can work with mines to move beyond their net-zero roadmaps, using our extensive experience in operational transformation to realise their ESG targets and implement the necessary changes for future resilience.” His remarks highlight the firm’s focus on embedding sustainability mindsets, behaviour and processes into day-to-day operations.
Coetzee emphasised that dss⁺ helps clients establish fully operationalised sustainability projects that not only enhance responsible asset stewardship but also improve production performance and long-term value creation.
High-Impact Sessions at dss⁺ Mining Indaba 2023
The organisation’s presence at this year’s Indaba includes a series of expert-led sessions addressing crucial aspects of mining transformation. On the main stage, Coetzee will lead discussions on building resilience in mining operations and preparing organisations to navigate large-scale volatility, from energy transition challenges to social impact and environmental risks.
Helder Santos, Director of Mining and Metals for EMEA, will provide insights from his experience leading transformation programmes across Africa. His sessions will cover operational excellence, risk management and the key steps toward achieving the mining model of the future, including smart energy management and sustainable governance.
Recognising that safety is a fundamental pillar of sustainable mining, dss⁺ has also included sessions focused on process safety and asset integrity. Jaco Pieterse, Principal Consultant and Process Safety Management expert, will moderate a panel on tailings management, community impact and operational safety—issues that have become central to global mining discourse.
Supporting Resilience Across Africa’s Resource Sector
The work of dss⁺ Mining Indaba 2023 reflects the consultancy’s broader mission to foster resilient, future-ready mining operations across Sub-Saharan Africa. Their efforts are helping clients build the foundational capabilities needed to handle accelerated transitions in energy, environmental expectations and social responsibility.
The 2023 Investing in African Mining Indaba, held from February 6–9 in Cape Town, will also explore themes such as supply chain security for the global energy transition and opportunities for Africa to unlock additional value from strategic investments.
A Look Ahead
dss⁺ is poised to deliver high-value insights, practical frameworks and proven methodologies that help mining companies transition toward sustainability. As the industry faces growing expectations from regulators, investors and communities, the discussions at dss⁺ Mining Indaba 2023 will be vital for shaping the mines of tomorrow.
To learn more, visit the Mining Indaba official website or explore related topics such as ESG strategies in African mining.