Ndalamo Resources is paving the way to transition from coal to a diversified future focused on renewable energy and other minerals.

This strategic shift, outlined by CEO Shammy Luvhengo in a recent op-ed, connects with the theme of the upcoming Investing in African Mining Indaba: "Embracing the power of positive disruption: A bold new future for African mining."

In response to the theme of disruption, the company announced it has established dedicated arms to focus on exploration – Ndalamo Energy, Ndalamo Metals, and Ndalamo Ferrous – to spearhead ventures in renewables and various minerals.

Luvhengo said that the mining industry needs to use innovation and technology to mitigate the environmental impact of coal, “We must explore cleaner coal technologies, invest in carbon capture, utilisation and storage and diversify our energy portfolio towards renewable sources while ensuring a just transition for the communities reliant on coal mining,” he said.

Luvhengo is not the only industry leader to discuss the adaptation of the mining industry leading up to the event. Managing director of SRK mining and exploration consulting, Andrew Van Zyl, said that the mining industry resists disruption, as change comes with a level of risk that the industry has been geared to avoid.

However, Van Zyl added, it is necessary that the mining industry evolves: “As engineers and scientists providing technical solutions to the sector, we must be as skilled in developing innovative answers as we are in helping clients apply them practically and responsibly,” he said.