Navigating Transformation In An Evolving Landscape

The world is changing, and the mining industry is navigating this transformation in a rapidly evolving global landscape. As markets accelerate towards a low-carbon future, the question is no longer if change will happen, but how fast.

Sasol will stand proudly at the forefront of this revolution at the 2026 Mining Indaba, stepping forward as South Africa’s energy transition partner of choice, and reaffirming its commitment to shaping a resilient, sustainable future for mining and beyond.

For 75 years, Sasol has been more than just an energy company; it has been a force for progress, notes Dumisani Bengu, SVP: marketing and sales energy. From pioneering technologies that powered SA’s industrial growth, to currently shaping global energy solutions, Sasol’s legacy is built on innovation, resilience, and partnership.

“We live in a world that requires significant change in the energy landscape, and – in line with our approach of innovating for a better world – we took the conscious decision to focus on driving the energy transition,” he says.

“To this end, we have made a number of investments in this space, helping to drive the energy transition and ensure that as part of our commitment to our customers, we are able to assist them to become more sustainable.”

Mining is the backbone of South Africa’s prosperity, he adds, and Sasol believes it is the launchpad for building a sustainable future, where cleaner energy, smarter technologies, and inclusive growth converge to create lasting impact.

Holistic approach

“In the 21st century, the mining sector faces unprecedented pressure to decarbonise, digitise, and deliver value responsibly. Sasol has answered this call with tailored technical solutions that help customers reduce emissions, improve operational efficiency, and meet ambitious sustainability targets.”

Bengu indicates that the company’s portfolio spans renewable and recycled fuels, piped gas and renewable power solutions, and technical innovations that enable mines to operate cleaner, smarter, and more efficiently.

“Our approach is holistic: we don’t just supply products; we co-create solutions. For example, underground mines often have large tracts of land that are unused. We work with the mine to use this land to grow Moringa or Solaris plants for biofuel, while also assisting our partner by developing, researching and producing products that assist them in meeting their own decarbonisation agenda.

“Sasol is also highly focused on the principles of the circular economy – something we also encourage our customers and partners to do – meaning the company reuses and recycles anything and everything it can, while at the same time innovating smarter ways of doing business that reduce costs and improve efficiencies.”

Sasol’s theme for Mining Indaba 2026 is Moving Innovation Forward, Together – something he describes as being more than just a slogan.

“We see this as a rallying cry for collaboration. Progress is never a solo act; it is built on shared vision, bold ideas, and unwavering commitment to sustainability. At Sasol, partnership isn’t just a value, it’s a catalyst for transformation,” says Bengu.

“By providing mines with both sustainable liquid fuels and delivering renewable electrons in the form of our own investments in electricity generation, we can help them with their own decarbonisation agendas. Furthermore, we help partners to unlock financial value through access to fuel management systems that increase operational efficiency and reduce costs.”

Closer collaboration

By working together with mining companies, governments, and communities, Sasol is able to unlock possibilities that redefine mining excellence in an era of energy transition. Together with its partners, Sasol is creating a future where mining drives prosperity without compromising the planet.

Bengu says Sasol’s impact extends beyond technology, encompassing also enterprise and supplier development and corporate social investment initiatives that uplift communities and create shared value.

“In 2025 alone, Sasol contributed over 5% to South Africa’s GDP, support roughly 500 000* jobs across the country – including direct, indirect and induced employment – and invested more than R150-million in SME development and R650m towards CSI. This is transformation in action, building inclusive growth alongside environmental progress.”

Choosing Sasol means choosing a partner that combines global expertise with local insight, vision with execution, and innovation with impact, he says. “It means aligning with a brand that has stood the test of time.”

Sasol wants every delegate attending Mining Indaba 2026 to visit the company’s stand in order to experience its vision in action, explore breakthrough technologies, engage with industry leaders, and discover how Sasol can help businesses to thrive in a low-carbon future.

“Our theme of Moving Innovation Forward, Together is our promise to lead boldly, innovate relentlessly, and collaborate for a better world. At Sasol, we believe the future of mining is not just about extraction, it’s about transformation.”

This theme is a call for collaboration with the industry, as our goal is to create a shared vision and a joint commitment with our mining partners. It’s about the co-creation of value, and about working closely with other stakeholders – like government and the surrounding communities – to draw on each other’s knowledge and experiences, to facilitate a closer understanding, and derive even greater value together, he says.