South Africa’s mining sector is one of the key sectors that has the ability to foster the county’s economic growth; however, the need for regulatory certainty and to remain globally competitive remain critical in attracting investment into the sector, says Joburg Indaba chairperson Bernard Swanepoel.

“Talking about the future of the mining sector revolves around the involvement of different stakeholders that have the ability to foster growth of this sector. “Therefore, investment remains a critical aspect of growth that should be embraced by all stakeholders involved,” he states.

Swanepoel says policy pertaining to the mining sector remains pivotal in attracting investment into the country. The Mining Charter being in its tenth year of existence, he adds, has created some form of consistency in the sector, which is an example of what the entire sector should strive for.

“The responsibility for continuity lies with the new Mineral Resources Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi, as Ministers have the tendency to come up with policy changes every time they are appointed into new Ministries. “Should Ramatlhodi foster continuity, we would be instilling a principle of cer- tainty in our mining regulatory system,” he points out.

Swanepoel indicates that making an effort to create an investor-friendly environment requires that South Africa becomes aware of what is being done globally. This allows the sector to be globally competitive and, in turn, to attract global investment, which will become key in South Africa’s focus on creating more jobs for South Africans.

Swanepoel stresses the importance of the involvement of other key stakeholders, such the African National Congress (ANC), labour specialists, mining companies and mining community members, in making the South African mining sector an investor-friendly destination.

He points out, that by getting all these stakeholders together in a forum which will debate the future of the mining industry, solutions and plans of action can be hammered out, which will ensure the growth and development of the mining industry. Growth and development will benefit all parties involved equally.

As a result, the second yearly Joburg Indaba, which took place on October 8 and 9 this year, brought together industry personnel such as Minister Ramatlhodi, ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe, Chamber of Mines president Mike Teke, diversified mining company Anglo American Corporation CEO Mark Cutifani and National Union of Mineworkers general secretary Frans Baleni, who deliberated on the future of mining in South Africa and the need to attract investment to foster economic growth for South Africa.