UASA Media Release: 29 September 2026
Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:
Young trade union leaders and workers from across the mining and energy sectors have gathered at the IndustriALL Global Youth in Mining and Energy Conference to address the pressing challenges and opportunities shaping the future of work. The conference placed youth priorities at the centre of discussions on decent work, occupational health and safety, skills development, trade union rights and a just transition.
Against the backdrop of rapid technological change, automation and digitalisation, participants examined the evolving world of work and its implications for young workers. The conference focused on developing practical, youth-led solutions to ensure that emerging economic and technological trends create opportunities rather than deepen inequality and exclusion.
A key session presented by Dr. Mbuso Moyo explored the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) on youth employment in the mining and energy sectors. The presentation highlighted how technological advances are reshaping employment opportunities and examined the challenges faced by many young workers who find themselves caught between informal exploitation and exclusion from emerging technologies.
Occupational health and safety was another major focus of the conference. During a session on protecting young workers, Dr Kouame drew attention to the hidden burden of occupational diseases in the mining sector and their consequences for young workers. Discussions highlighted the increased vulnerability of young workers to workplace accidents due to limited experience, inadequate induction and supervision, and concerns about reporting unsafe working conditions.
Conference deliberations have contributed to a set of shared priorities aimed at improving working conditions and employment prospects for young workers. These include advancing decent work, strengthening organising and trade union rights, promoting safer workplaces, deepening understanding of ILO Convention 190 and Recommendation 206, and supporting quality apprenticeships, skills development, industrialisation, critical minerals strategies and a just transition.
The conference is expected to conclude with a consolidated set of recommendations, the identification of youth focal points and a roadmap for sustained youth engagement within the global mining and energy sectors.
For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162.