Powering Progress: Highlights from the 2025 Mpumalanga Investment and Mining Conference

The Mpumalanga Investment and Mining Conference, held on 2–3 October 2025 at the Sydney Choma Banquet Hall in Middelburg, brought together government, industry leaders, investors, and innovators under one shared goal — to drive investment for a sustainable and inclusive economy.

Day One set an optimistic tone with investment pledges exceeding the R50 billion target. These pledges reflect confidence in Mpumalanga’s potential to unlock opportunities in mining, infrastructure, and green energy — paving the way for job creation and long-term economic growth.

In his keynote address, Mpumalanga Premier Mr. Mandla Ndlovu emphasized the need for collaboration between government, business, and communities to ensure that mining contributes meaningfully to development. He urged adherence to Social Labour Plans (SLPs) and Corporate Social Investment (CSI) frameworks, stressing that true transformation requires community inclusion, skills development, and empowerment of youth and women.

Day Two turned the spotlight to the mining and green economy sectors. Mr. Nkosinathi Nkonyane, CEO of the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency, delivered a compelling presentation on opportunities in sustainable energy and the province’s green transition.

As discussions moved from coal to clean, leaders explored how Mpumalanga can evolve from reliance on raw resources toward beneficiation, innovation, and a diversified green economy. The conversations underscored a future where responsible mining and renewable energy can coexist — powering progress while preserving the environment.

Representing Vutomi Energy, Mr. Matimba Ngwenya, Business Manager, attended both days of the conference. His participation fostered valuable strategic connections with key stakeholders across government and industry — relationships that will play an instrumental role in advancing Vutomi’s developing projects within the province.

The conference concluded with renewed commitment and optimism. With strategic partnerships, accountability, and innovation, Mpumalanga is poised to turn potential into prosperity — truly living up to its name, “The Place of the Rising Sun.