Mining Indaba highlighted a growing consensus that a commodities supercycle is taking shape, driven by electrification, the energy transition, and supply chain security.
SPOKE returned from the conference earlier this month in Cape Town with a clear takeaway. Globally, industry is positioning to capitalise on a significant surge in demand across precious and base metals, alongside critical minerals.
Copper, lithium, nickel, gold (surprise, surprise), rare earths, platinum group metals and uranium are all front of mind as investors seek exposure to the materials underpinning electric vehicles, power grids, batteries, and defence and data infrastructure.
The appetite for quality assets and compelling geology absolutely remains, but expectations are rising, with banks and institutional capital looking for clear line of sight to development and execution.
This shift is playing out against a broader backdrop of renewed geopolitical competition for critical minerals. The US and Europe are seeking deeper engagement across African supply chains. China’s established footprint remains highly influential.
For SPOKE, the week was about accelerating our global footprint and strengthening relationships across key international markets, building on the successful launch of our London operation last year.
