Irrespective of the current downturn in the economy, long-term economic value in minerals projects can be achieved once environmental and social issues are built into a company’s strategy and not externalised, says consulting engineering firm SRK Consulting (SA).

Chairperson and corporate consultant Roger Dixon further maintains that, while global economic conditions will impact on Africa’s mining sector, minerals will continue to play an important role in the continent’s future, which bodes well for 2015, being better than 2014 in terms of mining development on the continent.

Dixon adds that the spread of the Ebola virus in West Africa could be a major stumbling block for African mining this year.
However, he notes that mineral deposits continue to be uncovered at a steady rate, with signs that some countries are progressing well towards developing solid frameworks that will attract investors while creating a sustainable sector with positive impacts for local economies and communities.

SRK at the Indaba
SRK Consulting will highlight its diverse range of technical consulting services, as well as its multidisciplinary and locally focused approach to the development of mining projects at this year’s Investing in African Mining Indaba, which will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from February 9 to 12.

“These services are becoming increasingly valuable to large, complex projects requiring infrastructure coordination, bringing SRK’s considerable expertise to bear on sustainable resource development on the continent,” he says.

Dixon adds that the company will use the indaba to highlight its ability to provide strategic guidance to mining companies and governments. “Our strategy and policy group is able to facilitate collaborative engagement among mining project stakeholders, countries in the same region and mining companies with mutual interests,” he says.

Dixon says the indaba also presents a valuable opportunity for SRK to meet existing and prospective clients and to raise awareness of its multidisciplinary approach and services.

He emphasises the importance of events like the Mining Indaba, as they present mining industry stakeholders – especially governments and large corporates – with a platform to discuss the future of mining. “The period between last year’s indaba and this one has, once again, been a tough one for mining. The event will re-emphasise that we are in a global economy where every country has to compete for investment.”

He says mining stakeholders should use opportunities like the Mining Indaba to talk collaboratively about mining issues and the direction that the industry needs to take in future.

“The challenge is to create a shared vision for the sector that will open doors to new entrants while spreading the benefits of mineral-driven economic growth to other sectors and levels of society.”