THE END IS NEAR, BUT FIRST — ONE FINAL CHAPTER
Since its inception in 2018, the ITP308 “Mine water and mine waste management” programme has grown into an inspiring journey of learning, collaboration, and sustainable development. As we now approach the end of this remarkable chapter, we look back with joy and a hint of sadness. Yet, the programme will continue to present opportunities a little bit longer.
In 2025, we completed yet another milestone: the final regional phase with the programme’s last group of participants. This memorable phase took place in Mombasa, Kenya, where we had the privilege to conduct insightful study visits at Base Titanium in Kwale, Coastal Calcium, and Bamburi Cement Limited. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all colleagues who made these visits possible and to the company representatives who warmly welcomed us.
The regional phase concluded with two successful conference days featuring the final presentations of the participants’ change projects. We were also honoured to welcome invited Kenyan mining stakeholders who shared their expertise on exciting and forward-looking topics.
Currently, we are in the process of evaluating the programme by conducting interviews with alumni and their supervisors from all participating countries. These conversations focus on understanding the value the programme has brought to the organisations and their perspectives on future collaboration. The results will form a key part of the programme’s final evaluation and will serve as valuable input for Sida’s potential future initiatives within the same thematic area.
As we move toward a more formal closing of ITP308, we are eagerly preparing for our grand final – a mining tour in northern Sweden together with representatives from participating organisations from all our partnering countries. During this tour, we will have the opportunity to visit some of Sweden’s largest mines, explore Luleå University of Technology, Sweden’s renowned “mining university”, and experience the rich culture and vibrant life of the north.
We look forward to welcoming our colleagues in May to join the wrap-up of ITP308 and to celebrating everything we have accomplished together.
The end of ITP308 marks not just the closing of a programme, but the continuation of a community and a shared ambition for sustainable mining practices. We are grateful for the time we have had together, and the journey is still not over yet. We are planning a series of additional workshops that we look forward to unveiling soon. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements and keep an eye on our website for more information!
Site visit to Base Titanium. Mr. Micah Muema presents the Restoration Programme Indigenous Tree Nursery. Kwale County, Kenya. Photo: Mattias Fackel.
Nursery for young indigenous trees at Base Titanium. Kwale County, Kenya. Photo: Mattias Fackel.
Mr. Paul Opere, Chief Biologist at Bamburi Haller Park, a former limestone quarry wasteland transformed into a flourishing ecological area, explains the incredibly important role that the red-legged millipede (Mombasa trains) plays in the park’s ecosystem. Mombasa, Kenya. Photo: Mattias Fackel.