SAIMM Critical Minerals Conference 2026

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Background

BACKGROUND

The global shift to a low-carbon economy has created unprecedented demand for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, copper, nickel, rare earths, manganese, and graphite. Southern Africa holds vast reserves, positioning the region as a strategic player in the green economy. Yet, challenges in policy alignment, infrastructure, beneficiation, and governance risk limiting value creation.

The SAIMM Conference will convene governments, industry leaders, financiers, researchers, and civil society to chart pathways from extraction to value addition, ensuring Africa captures prosperity across the full critical minerals value chain.

 

REGISTRATION FEES

Early SAIMM/SAGA/GSSA Member	9 800,00
Early Non SAIMM/SAGA/GSSA Member	10 200,00
SAIMM/SAGA/GSSA Member	10 200,00
Non SAIMM/SAGA/GSSA Member	10 800,00
Author Registration	6 500,00
Students	1 000,00
Retired Member	1 000,00

 

 

Submit an Abstract

Abstract submissions are now open!

The Critical Minerals Committee is inviting you to submit an abstract for presentation at the Critical Minerals Conference 2026

Why submit an abstract?

• Strengthen your professional reputation.
• Showcase your organisation’s achievements and accomplishments.
• Offer the industry valuable insights, case studies, and expertise.
• Inform stakeholders, including colleagues and researchers, about your accomplishments and progress.
• Create new opportunities for collaboration to benefit the industry.

 

Submission process

Abstracts will be subject to peer review, the committee will decide whether to accept or decline the submissions. Relevance to the conference theme, accuracy and uniqueness of ideas, contribution significance, and presentation quality are among the selection factors. Download abstract submission template.

Authors will be notified in writing of the acceptance of their abstract. Once accepted the author can submit a full paper for review. Download paper guidelines.

 

Please note

• All accepted abstracts will be published in the conference proceedings and presented during technical sessions.
• All presenting authors are required to register and pay for conference attendance prior to publication in the conference proceedings.

 

Key Dates

• Abstract Submission: 27 April 2026
• Paper Submission: 1 June 2026

 

SUBMIT AN ABSTRACT

programme

Download the Critical Minerals Programme (PDF)

Topics to be Covered

CONFERENCE STREAMS

• Governance, Policy & Regional Collaboration – Aligning frameworks, strengthening institutions, enabling cooperation.
• Infrastructure & Strategic Corridors – Unlocking logistics, energy, and industrial ecosystems.
• Innovation, Beneficiation & Value Addition – Advancing R&D, technology, and downstream industries.
• ESG, Energy Transition & Inclusive Development – Ensuring sustainability, resilience, and equitable growth.

Who Should Attend

TARGET AUDIENCE

• Governments & Regional Bodies: Ministers, regulators, SADC, AU, AMDC.
• Industry & Private Sector: Mining houses, technology suppliers, financiers, logistics operators.
• Development Partners & DFIs: World Bank, AfDB, IFC, bilateral institutions.
• Research & Academia: Universities, CSIR, innovation hubs.
• Civil Society & NGOs: ESG specialists, community advocates.
• Investors & Trade Partners: OEMs, supply chain participants.
• Legal, Regulatory & Compliance Advisors
• Infrastructure, Energy & Logistics Providers
• Processing, Refining & Manufacturing Players
• Standards Bodies & Certification Agencies

Contact

For further information contact:

Gugu Charlie,
Conferences and Events Coordinator

E-mail: gugu@saimm.co.za
Tel: 011 538 0238
Web: www.saimm.co.za