The 2024 African Mining Legislation Atlas (AMLA) Workshop was proudly hosted by the University of Pretoria's Faculty of Law. This significant event brought together academics, policymakers, legal professionals, and industry stakeholders to engage in robust discussions about the advancements and challenges in Africa's mining legislation landscape. The event, held in the bustling city of Pretoria, showcased the University's dedication to revolutionary legal research, governance, and resource management.

Professor Charles Maimela, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Pretoria, opened the session. In his welcome remarks, he underscored the Faculty's position as a leader in legal education and its response to societal concerns, particularly in influencing the African mining industry.

Professor Elsabe Schoeman, Dean of the Faculty of Law, addressed the attendees and conveyed the need of cross-disciplinary collaboration in strengthening mining governance. She acknowledged the workshop's significance in enhancing capacity and encouraging debate among a wide range of stakeholders, including academics, policymakers, and legal professionals.

Sarah Mabotsa, MMC for Economic Development and Spatial Planning, represented the City of Tshwane, which partnered with the University of Pretoria to hold a successful AMLA workshop. She highlighted the city as a significant economic hub in the South African economic landscape. MMC Mabotsa made mention of South Africa's position as home to 30% of the world's mineral reserves, as well as the importance of strong mining policies in utilizing these resources for long-term development.

Dr. Tracy-Lynn Fields, a famous professor at the University of the Witwatersrand and author of State Governance of Mining, Development, and Sustainability, gave a critical analysis of mining governance. She investigated the paradox of mining, asking who benefits from resource extraction and encouraging participants to think about frameworks like racial capitalism while debating mining's impact on development.

Dr Nightingale Rukuba-Ngaiza, Senior Counsel at the World Bank, reiterated the value for embracing multidisciplinary approaches to Africa's mining concerns. As well as the crucial role it has especially in legal agreements and international collaboration in promoting effective governance and sustainable practices.

The workshop agenda included presentations on the foundations of mining operations and legislation. Advocate Leon Gerber presented an overview of mining operations, procedures, and the industry's particular issues. His lecture focused on three key mining maxims, emphasizing the industry's economic importance and environmental responsibility. Mr Otsile Matlou cited Resolution 1803 as the cornerstone for mining regulations, emphasizing the importance of openness, equitable resource sharing, and governance improvements in Africa. Other engaging seminars on the day included The African Mining Legislation Atlas, Introduction to Mining Law Review, and Mining Licensing (Large Scale Operations). 

The gathering also commemorated the tenth anniversary of the AMLA initiative. Nneoma Nwogu, Task Team Lead, focused on AMLA's contributions to enabling African states through accessible, uniform mining legislation and the promotion of sustainable practices.

AMLA participants were also treated to experiential tours to the Sibanye Driefontein Mine. They were also able to visit some of Tshwane's tourist attractions thanks to City of Tshwane Tourism. Visit the Cullinan mine for an educational tour. In addition, ENS Africa law company organised a social closing meal at their Sandton headquarters.

The 2024 AMLA Workshop demonstrates the power of collaboration, bringing together governments, academia, and international organisations to address major gaps in mining legislation. By sharing expertise and encouraging conversation, the event hoped to inspire tangible solutions for Africa's mining sector, benefiting communities and economies across the continent.

This historic event not only advanced the debate over mining regulations, but also built networks dedicated to sustainable and equitable development. Participants left with a reinvigorated sense of purpose, prepared to drive dramatic change in Africa's mining industry.