Norwegian Church Aid at the Alternative Mining Indaba
From lived experiences to a solidarity march, the 2026 Alternative Mining Indaba showed why communities must shape the future of mining in Africa. NCA has been journeying with the Alternative Mining Indaba (AMI) in Cape Town since its inception and this year was no exception.
While the mining industry gathers at the world's largest investment conference, civil society organises an alternative conference setting human and environmental consequences of the mining industry on the agenda. AMI is a global safe space for stakeholders to discuss, debate, highlight and provide solidarity for those impacted and affected by extractives, especially mining.
Now in its 16th year, the AMI has grown into a leading civil society platform that runs parallel to the African Mining Indaba, creating space for mining-affected communities, workers and civil society to influence global mining conversations and advocate for equitable resource governance.
The 2026 Alternative Mining Indaba (AMI) in Cape Town marked a deliberate and refreshing shift in focus. Under this year’s theme, “Alternative stories of mining, amplifying community voices,” the gathering centred the lived realities, demands and leadership of communities at the frontline of extraction.
Day one grounded participants in a clear call to move beyond dialogue toward concrete accountability. Discussions emphasised that transparency, binding regulations and strong alliances between communities, trade unions and civil society are essential to ensuring that Africa’s mineral wealth benefits its people. Speakers highlighted the need for legally enforceable ESG standards, protection of civic space, and meaningful inclusion of women and artisanal miners across the value chain.
Day two took a bold “short left.” The program shifted away from traditional panels to community-led exhibition spaces where miners and affected communities shared stories through spoken word, photography and testimonies. These narratives exposed human rights violations, environmental degradation and disrupted livelihoods, reinforcing the importance of documenting and amplifying community experiences.
The final day carried these voices into the streets through a symbolic 1.3 km march from St George’s Cathedral to the Cape Town International Convention Centre. With songs, placards and storytelling, participants publicly presented the AMI communiqué to the organisers of the African Mining Indaba, consolidating community demands for environmental justice, human rights and equitable benefit from mineral resources.
This year’s AMI reminded us that communications, advocacy and solidarity are critical tools in ensuring community voices shape mining governance. The stories have been told. The demands are clear.
The responsibility now lies in sustaining momentum and translating these calls into lasting change.
