The future of sustainable mining in Africa lies not only in what’s extracted, but in how it’s built. Across the continent, a growing push toward sustainability is transforming how infrastructure is designed, constructed, and powered. At the heart of this shift are two interlinked forces: local content requirements and renewable energy integration. Together, they’re reshaping the standards of mining development, turning infrastructure into a driver of inclusive growth and long-term resilience.
Local Content: Building More Than Mines
African nations are increasingly demanding that mining companies go beyond extraction to create real, lasting value for local economies. Laws and charters are being enforced that require mines to source locally, employ citizens, and support domestic suppliers.
In South Africa, the Mining Charter of 2018 mandates that:
- 70% of mining goods must be procured from South African manufacturers
- 60% of those goods must contain local value-add (lexology.com)
Other countries, including Ghana, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Zambia, have implemented similar frameworks, all aimed at ensuring mining activity fuels broader economic development, not just mineral exports.
“Local content laws are not red tape, they’re a blueprint for inclusive growth.” – S.M.E.I. Projects, Mining Projects Manager.
For contractors and infrastructure specialists like S.M.E.I. Projects, this means forming strategic partnerships with local suppliers across sectors like:
- Structural steel and fabrication
- Equipment hire and transport
- Site services, safety, and civil works
By actively engaging and uplifting local enterprises, we not only meet legal compliance but help build resilient ecosystems around each mining operation.
Workforce Development: Training for Long-Term Impact
Procurement is only one piece of the puzzle. Skilled labour development is equally essential for sustainable infrastructure delivery. Remote mining projects often require hundreds of workers during peak construction – yet skilled labour shortages persist in many regions.
To bridge this gap, successful mining infrastructure companies invest in:
- On-the-job training programmes
- Certification partnerships with local institutions
- Mentorship schemes to transfer technical and managerial skills
- Women- and youth-focused employment initiatives
At S.M.E.I. Projects, we see workforce training not as a side benefit, but as a pillar of project success. The more local knowledge embedded in a project, the more sustainable and efficient it becomes over time.
Renewable Integration: Greening Africa’s Mines
As pressure mounts to decarbonise the mining sector, many operations are turning to hybrid power solutions that integrate solar energy, battery storage, and diesel optimisation—particularly in off-grid and remote settings.
A standout example is B2Gold’s Fekola Mine in Mali, which recently completed its Phase 2 solar plant expansion in late 2024. According to B2Gold’s official release, the expansion added:
- 46,200 new solar panels, bringing the total to over 142,000
- 22 MW of additional clean energy, increasing total solar capacity to 52 MW
- 12.7 MWh of battery storage to balance demand and supply
- Over 120 local construction jobs at peak, with 13 trained local technicians now maintaining the plant
This project not only reduced B2Gold’s reliance on diesel but also created long-term employment and technical upskilling for the local community, showing that renewable infrastructure in mining can deliver both environmental and social returns.
These kinds of projects demonstrate how renewable energy infrastructure can be more than a carbon offset, they can provide:
- Reliable and cost-effective power
- Reduced diesel transport emissions
- Long-term job creation
- Technical capacity building in host countries
S.M.E.I. Projects is increasingly supporting mining clients with solar-ready structural systems, through S.M.E.I. Renewables with energy-efficient construction methodologies, and off-grid infrastructure designed for modular renewable integration.
The Multiplier Effect of Sustainable Mining Infrastructure
When local content, skills development, and clean energy intersect, the result is not just a better mine, but a more sustainable community. Infrastructure becomes a platform for:
- Uplifting SMEs and emerging contractors
- Creating long-term employment
- Reducing environmental impact
- Improving regional stability and social licence to operate
We believe sustainable mining infrastructure in Africa must go beyond compliance. It must be intentional, collaborative, and future-focused.
“When mines are built with sustainability in mind, their impact stretches far beyond the fence line.” – S.M.E.I. Projects, Sustainability Lead
Conclusion: Sustainability Starts in the Foundations
As Africa’s mining industry continues to grow, the way we build must evolve. The most successful projects of the future will be those that embed local content, workforce empowerment, and renewable integration from the start.
At S.M.E.I. Projects, we’re proud to be part of this transformation, delivering infrastructure that powers not only mines, but entire communities.