Standard Bank’s head of energy, infrastructure and mining, Deerosh Maharaj, has joined the advisory board of African Mining Week (AMW), with organisers saying his appointment will strengthen the conference’s focus on mining finance, investment partnerships and project development across Africa.
AMW, described by organisers as one of the continent’s leading mining investment platforms, will take place from October 14 to 16 in Cape Town under the theme “Mining the Future: Unearthing Africa’s Full Mineral Value Chain.”
The annual gathering brings together mining companies, government representatives, project developers and international investors to promote investment in Africa’s mining and energy sectors.
Organisers said Maharaj’s addition to the advisory board would support discussions around project financing, deal structuring and strategies to attract more capital into Africa’s mineral industries.
AMW Event Director Rachelle Kasongo said the appointment reflects the conference’s effort to involve experienced industry leaders who can help shape practical solutions for the sector.
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“Maharaj brings a wealth of experience in deal structuring, sustainable growth and investment facilitation,” Kasongo said, adding that his expertise would help align the 2026 agenda with the needs of mining stakeholders.
Maharaj has spent more than 12 years at Standard Bank Group, where he oversees financial solutions for clients in the mining, energy and infrastructure sectors.
His responsibilities include arranging financing, providing working capital support, managing foreign exchange risks, offering sustainability advisory services and facilitating cross-border trade.
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During his career, Maharaj has been involved in several major mining-related transactions, including Standard Bank’s role as co-mandated lead arranger on a $130 million financing package for Tharisa Minerals.
He was also involved in a $150 million financing facility supporting the expansion of Rosh Pinah Zinc through its RP2.0 project.
Standard Bank has also supported renewable energy projects linked to mining operations, including the 475-megawatt Notsi Solar PV facility, as mining companies increasingly seek cleaner and more reliable energy sources.
The appointment comes as Africa’s mining sector attracts growing attention due to rising global demand for critical minerals needed for renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles and advanced manufacturing.
Minerals such as lithium, cobalt, copper and rare earth elements are becoming increasingly important in global supply chains, creating opportunities for African countries with significant mineral reserves.
However, industry leaders say unlocking this potential will require stronger investment frameworks, improved infrastructure and access to long-term financing.
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AMW organisers said Maharaj’s experience in mobilising capital and structuring complex transactions would be valuable as the conference seeks to promote greater investment in Africa’s mineral value chains.
The event is expected to focus on how African countries can move beyond raw mineral exports by developing local processing capacity, increasing value addition and supporting industrialisation.
