The Mining Indaba kicks off tomorrow in Cape Town and the array of private jets at CPT International makes Davos look like Dinwiddie, Germiston. With 6,500 delegates at $2000 a pop, someone is making serious loot out of this event. That Nobu at the One&Only is opening for lunch this week, confirms that hard-pressed Cape Town hoteliers are cashing in on the mining boom, big time. For camp followers will swell the 6,500 tally to well over 10K. Last night, Nobu was turning over tables three times as the big boys maintain the sushi quality is the same as London, but at a fraction of the price.

The Social Indaba kicked off this afternoon at Gerard Holden’s Franschhoek estate Holden-Manz, in balmy 40 degree heat. Quite a shock for icebound Europeans, this 60 degree temperature difference between Amsterdam and her erstwhile outpost at the southernmost tip of the sexy and prospective continent. Above are two of the industry’s largest characters, Peter Gain still waiting for regulatory approval for the sale of his coal assets to Glencore and host with the most, Gerard Holden. Judging by their body language, mining seems to be on a different economic trajectory to the Euro.

The more flamboyant guests, after buzzing the estate several times, arrived by helicopter on the lawn of Le Franschhoek next door, which disturbed lunch somewhat. The invitation said 1pm but when we left at 4pm after a braai of chops and crayfish, the driveway was choked with previously disadvantaged mine owners and their Ferraris (with UK plates) arriving on African Time (above). Mere Range Rovers and Porsches were requested to park outside.

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