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South Africa | Official Launch of the Africa Mining Accountability Platform (AMAP)
February 2 -5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
INTRODUCTION
On February 2, 2025, at the Mining Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa, Southern Africa Resource Watch officially launched the Africa Mining Accountability Platform (AMAP), a transformative digital tool designed to promote ethical, responsible, and sustainable mining across the continent. The launch event brought together key stakeholders, including mining executives, government officials, civil society representatives, and community leaders, to discuss the urgent need for transparency and fairness in Africa’s resource governance.
Event Highlights
The event featured powerful speeches, live demonstrations of the AMAP platform, and discussions on how technology can bridge the gap between mining companies, governments, and local communities.
Keynote Address – Board Chairperson Deprose Muchena
Deprose Muchena, Board Chairperson of SARW, set the tone for the event with a compelling address, highlighting the paradox of Africa’s resource wealth and the persistent underdevelopment of mining-affected communities. He stated:
“Mining in Africa has always existed, but it has left a legacy of exclusion and underdevelopment. We cannot continue to witness a paradox where nations rich in natural resources remain poor in human development. This platform is a step towards ensuring that communities benefit from the resources they rightfully own.”
His remarks underscored AMAP’s mission to empower communities, build trust, and enhance transparency in the mining industry.
Platform Overview & Live Demonstration
Attendees had the opportunity to witness a live demonstration of the AMAP platform, showcasing its key functionalities, including:
- Real-time reporting of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns.
- Monitoring best practices by mining companies and governments.
- Building trust between corporations and affected communities.
- Improving sustainability reporting and human rights due diligence.
- Providing data-driven insights to stakeholders in the mining sector.
Panel Discussion: The Future of Ethical Mining in Africa
A high-level panel discussion followed the demonstration, featuring industry experts and community representatives. The discussion centered on:
- How AMAP supports communities in advocating for their rights.
- The role of mining companies in ensuring fair and sustainable resource extraction.
- Government accountability in regulating mining practices.
The panel reinforced the importance of digital tools like AMAP in bridging the information gap between stakeholders and ensuring that natural resources contribute to social and economic development.
Next Steps & Call to Action
With AMAP now officially live, SARW encourages all stakeholders to: 🔹 Explore the platform and see how it can support transparency in mining: www.app.sarwatch.co.za 🔹 Engage with the community by sharing insights and feedback. 🔹 Advocate for responsible mining using AMAP’s reporting tools.
Conclusion
The launch of AMAP marks a significant step toward fair, sustainable, and responsible mining in Africa. As mining remains a key economic driver for many African nations, tools like AMAP will play a crucial role in ensuring that natural resources benefit the people first. Stay tuned for more updates and upcoming stakeholder engagements as we continue to push for a more transparent mining industry.
