UPF-South Africa Highlights Sustainable Mining Innovations at Johannesburg Summit

Written by UPF-Africa

Thursday, 22 August 2025

Johannesburg, South Africa – The University of Johannesburg hosted an important summit on “The Future of Mining and Mining in the Future” on Friday, 22 August 2025. The conference brought together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and community representatives to explore innovative solutions to the pressing challenges of the mining sector.

Organized with the vision of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and the International Association for Peace and Economic Development (IAPED), the summit was honored by the presence of the Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg, Dr. Phumzile Ngcuka, the Vice Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Letlhokwa Mpedi, and traditional leadership representatives from the Kings Association of South Africa, including the King of Amahlubi.

The summit focused on addressing the shifting landscape of mining, shaped by environmental sustainability, economic diversification, and community development. It provided a platform for collaboration between stakeholders and for establishing links between the mining industry and global peacebuilding networks under the UPF’s guidance.

The event featured a series of keynote addresses from distinguished leaders, including Mr. Tseliso, Deputy Director General of the Department of Minerals and Petroleum Resources; Dr. Jide Martyns Okeke, Director of the United Nations Development Programme – Africa; Mr. Mike Teke, CEO of SERITI Mine; Dr. Phumzile Ngcuka, Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg; Prof. Letlhokwa Mpedi, Vice Chancellor and Principal; and representatives of the Kings Association of South Africa, including the King of Amahlubi. Each speaker highlighted the urgent need for innovation, sustainability, and community-centered practices in the mining sector.

A key highlight of the summit was the participation of Rev. Emeraude Heaven Ndonga, National Leader of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) South Africa and Secretary General of UPF South Africa. Drawing upon his expertise as a mining engineer, researcher, and author, Rev. Ndonga presented his groundbreaking project, “PGM Tailing Remedy for Potential Economic End-Use”, published in Reno, Nevada, USA, in 2023. The project demonstrated the transformation of mining waste, particularly PGM and gold tailings, into eco-friendly construction bricks. This innovation addresses multiple challenges: mitigating environmental pollution, including acid mine drainage, air pollution, and land degradation; creating employment opportunities through new industries based on waste reprocessing; reducing infrastructure development costs by providing cost-effective construction materials; and promoting sustainable economic growth through innovative, environmentally conscious practices.

At his exhibition table, Rev. Ndonga showcased physical samples of construction bricks produced from mining tailings, offering attendees a tangible demonstration of the project’s feasibility. He engaged with prominent stakeholders, including representatives from the Kings Association, Dr. Jide Martyns Okeke of UNDP, and Chancellor Dr. Phumzile Ngcuka, all of whom expressed strong interest in supporting this initiative. Through these discussions, participants recognized the potential of the project to transform environmental challenges into opportunities for sustainable development, social empowerment, and community upliftment.

The summit not only emphasized the urgent need for innovative and sustainable mining practices but also highlighted UPF’s proactive role in promoting environmental stewardship, economic development, and global peacebuilding. Rev. Ndonga’s participation reinforced the message that practical solutions, grounded in collaboration and ethical responsibility, are central to building a sustainable and prosperous future for South Africa and the world.

Figures:

• Figure 1: Group picture on stage with the Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, and Kings from the Kings Association of South Africa

• Figure 2: Summit view

• Figure 3: Rev. Ndonga explaining the project to Dr. Jide Okeke and Chancellor Dr. Phumzile Ngcuka

• Figure 4: Rev. Ndonga engaging with the Kings and representatives of the Kings Association

• Figure 5: Environmental and future reimagined