Cape Town – US President Donald Trump’s administration is sending its largest-ever US government delegation to Cape Town’s Mining Indaba, despite diplomatic tensions with South Africa, highlighting strong US interest in Africa’s critical minerals sector.
The conference, which kicked off on Monday and ends on Thursday, is expected to host over 10,000 delegates, will feature senior US trade, energy and development officials discussing investment opportunities in Africa’s mineral resources.
According to The Africa Report, several senior US government and diplomatic officials are set to attend, including representatives from trade, development, energy and foreign policy agencies.
Among them are USTDA Acting Director Thomas Hardy, DFC officials Danielle Montgomery and Bethany Aquilina Brez, US ambassadors to Namibia and Zimbabwe, and Zambia’s deputy chief of mission. The delegation also includes senior figures from the State Department, US Trade Representative’s office, International Trade Administration, Millennium Challenge Corporation and the Department of Energy.
“This is the largest USG delegation ever to attend the mining indaba,” the report quoted executive advisory board member Tony Carroll as saying.
As reported by African Mining, South Africa’s mining sector remains a major economic driver despite past instability. In 2024, it contributed R443 billion, or 6% of the country’s GDP, with the figure rising to R695 billion when supplier industries are included, highlighting its wider economic impact.
Growing global demand for minerals such as platinum-group metals, manganese and vanadium, driven by technology, infrastructure development and sustainability goals, signals strong future growth.
At Mining Indaba 2026, industry players are expected to focus on practical partnerships, policy clarity, cadastral system reforms and increased investment in energy and transport infrastructure.
While challenges persist, there is renewed confidence that continued reforms could position South Africa’s mining sector for stronger, more sustainable and globally competitive growth, the report said.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: Grok
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
compiled by Betha Madhomu
