Could you give us an overview of your experience in the mining industry? (A brief overview of your current role and organization)

• 11 years at Rio Tinto: from Manager of Government Relations Department to Country Managing Director and 4 years as a member of the Executive Committee of the Diamonds and Minerals Division at Rio Tinto Group. Member of the Strategic Group on Inclusion and Diversity.
• 7 years at Winning International Group as High Representative of the Consortium, General Manager of the railway project, General Manager of the alumina refinery project, and Deputy General Manager of the Société Minière de Boké (SMB). Expertise in production, productivity, health and safety, and environmental and social management.

1. What role do you see Africa playing in the energy transition, and specifically, the role that Guinea can play?

1. • Not just as a source of raw materials, but as a contributor to reducing the carbon footprint through research and development of alternative sources like solar, wind, etc.

1. What potential challenges and opportunities do you foresee for the future of the mining industry in Africa?

1. • Environmental and social challenges from the government, and more opportunities in the research and exploitation of raw materials, development of our structure.

1. As a speaker at MOTA, what ideas or key points do you hope participants will take away from the event?

1. • Understand and remember that Africa is more than just a source of critical minerals essential for manufacturing vehicles and electrical appliances; it is also a region of opportunities in applying alternative sources with a strong capacity to contribute to reducing greenhouse gases and transforming raw materials with optimized use of fossil energies.

Interview Article -

Insights from Mr. Ismael Diakité: A frica's Role in the Energy Transition and Mining Industry

An Overview of Experience in the Mining Industry

Mr. Ismael Diakité, currently the High Representative of the SMB-Winning Consortium, has a rich background in the mining sector. With 11 years at Rio Tinto, he advanced from Manager of Government Relations to Country Managing Director, also serving on the Executive Committee of the Diamonds and Minerals Division. Additionally, he spent 7 years at Winning International Group, holding key roles such as General Manager of the railway and alumina refinery projects, and Deputy General Manager of the Société Minière de Boké (SMB). His expertise spans production, productivity, health and safety, and environmental and social management.

Africa’s Role in the Energy Transition

Mr. Diakité envisions Africa not only as a source of raw materials but as a significant contributor to reducing the carbon footprint through research and development of alternative energy sources like solar and wind. Guinea, specifically, can play a pivotal role in this transition.

Challenges and Opportunities in the African Mining Industry

He identifies environmental and social challenges as potential hurdles, while also highlighting opportunities in raw material research and exploitation, and the development of infrastructure.

Key Takeaways for MOTA Participants

As a speaker at MOTA, Mr. Diakité hopes participants will recognize Africa as more than a source of critical minerals. He emphasizes the continent's potential in adopting alternative energy sources, reducing greenhouse gases, and optimizing the use of fossil fuels in transforming raw materials.

For more insights, join us at the upcoming MOTA event where Mr. Diakité will share his valuable perspectives.