Mining in Africa is complex. Today’s technical, economic, social, and environmental challenges are deeply interconnected and cannot be tackled in isolation. If we are to achieve real sustainability, we need holistic win-win solutions.
Win-win solutions are easier to recognise than to create. These solutions generate authentic value for all stakeholders and transcend mere compliance with environmental and social engagement checklists. This is crucial for the mining industry, where social licence is notoriously difficult to earn and alarmingly easy to lose. At the same time, win-win solutions offer tangible economic advantages.
Zutari, previously known as Aurecon, is set to showcase its suite of win-win solutions for the mining industry at the 11th Mining Expo & Conference. The event takes place from 7 to 8 August at the Windhoek Showgrounds. Organised by the Chamber of Mines of Namibia, the expo is an annual highlight, bringing together stakeholders from all corners of the country.
“Some people think Zutari is a new kid on the block,” jokes Namibia Country Manager, Blanché Hanstein-Kaber. “But we have been around for 90 years, and our Namibia office was opened in 1978.” It operated as Africon, Ninham Shand, and NETGroup before merging with Australian company Connel Wagner to form Aurecon. In 2020, it demerged from the international group and became Zutari – an infrastructure engineering and advisory practice with a presence in Africa, the Middle East and beyond.
Kegan Strydom, Zutari Mining Representative, believes that the Namibian industry is ready to embrace holistic solutions. For example, mining giant De Beers is investing in Kelp Blue, a mariculture start-up in Namibia. Kelp Blue grows kelp forests that will lock away carbon, improve ocean health, and create jobs. This is a prime example of a win-win solution that maximises impact for communities and economies, while reducing the mine’s carbon footprint.
Such solutions thrive on an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach to projects. Zutari’s expertise spans water, transport, energy, resources, and built-environment infrastructure, supported by a dedicated sustainability business unit. This allows it to identify and harness multidisciplinary synergies, address technical, social, and environmental complexities, and drive sustainable impact.
Strydom adds that win-win solutions require deep technical mastery, creative intelligence, and a commitment to radical collaboration with clients, partners, and end users. Effectively leveraging digital technology is also crucial – not as an end but as a means to enhance human ingenuity, intelligence, and collaboration.
Technology aside, the Zutari team looks forward to engaging, face to face, with clients at their interactive stand, themed ‘Unearthing the Future’. The stand will be manned by Blanché and Kegan, along with Mareli Botha, CESA Young Engineer of the Year, and Daniel Celopo, Technical Director and Expertise Leader at Zutari.
“We look forward to meaningful conversations around the diverse needs of our clients,” Hanstein-Kaber states. “Whether to future-proof their strategy, ensure business growth, optimise their operations, or ensure responsible social and environmental stewardship, we are excited to create win-win solution together.”
