Your invitation to the International Mining History Congress

The International Mining History Congress brings together practitioners of mining history in all of its forms to exchange recent research findings. Papers are invited from academics, amateur historians, former and present employees of the mining industry, government officials, and conservationists, archivists and curators.

This is the first time the congress has been held in Africa, and we are delighted that South Africa has been invited to host the event. The continent has a long history of mining, one that, especially in the case of diamonds and gold, had considerable impact on the world's economy, engineering and labour relations. From its pre-colonial past to its post-colonial present, African mining has departed from practices elsewhere, whilst also sharing much that is common. This combination of the unique and the universal will contribute to the character and success of the congress.

The event itself will be held in Johannesburg, the City of Gold, close to both Rustenburg, our Platinum City, and also the Cradle of Humankind. As with any South African conference, it will provide excellent opportunities for study tours and conventional tourism, as well as intellectual stimulation.