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More investment expected, despite policy uncertainty

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT
Mechanisation, automation, the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence could present opportunities to reskill and upskill people to make mining operations safer

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT Mechanisation, automation, the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence could present opportunities to reskill and upskill people to make mining operations safer

25th January 2019

By: Jessica Oosthuizen

Creamer Media Reporter

     

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Political and regulatory uncertainty will continue in the lead-up to local elections and will impact on investment decisions in the mining industry, says law firm Hogan Lovells partner and mining head Warren Beech, but he believes that sentiment will improve in the third and fourth quarters.
He tells Mining Weekly that communities around mining operations are already “extremely active” in terms of voicing and demonstrating their concerns and will become more active because of promises that have been made, but not delivered in all respects.

“Community activism, for example, marches to mines, will likely escalate in the lead-up to the elections and disruptions are expected,” he notes.

Further, the land debate will continue and will create a level of policy uncertainty, as it impacts significantly on the mines – “the issue of land ownership not only affects urban areas but also rural areas; it was a big issue last year and it will continue to be so this year”, Beech comments.

However, the finalisation and gazetting of Mining Charter III and the withdrawal of the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act Amendment Bill have had a positive impact on market sentiment and have provided a level of stability for the industry.

Although the publishing of the charter took longer than was promised, the outcome was positive, as there were proper consultations and consideration of the comments received, Beech states.

Further, he highlights that the significant progress made in the mining industry since Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe’s appointment is a positive sign for the industry.

“Mantashe has a record of delivering on what he said he was going to deliver, and relationships between the Department of Mineral Resources and industry stakeholders have already deepened. “If this continues, it should be a much better year, despite the concerns and challenges.”

Meanwhile, safety and security is also a factor to consider and uppermost in investors’ minds, he points out. “The local mining industry has had another horrific year in terms of health and safety and it needs significant focus this year.”

Another theme that will continue this year is the debate on whether mechanisation, automation, the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence will result in the loss of more jobs. Beech, however, believes that these technological advancements present opportunities to reskill and upskill people and to make mining operations safer.

“There will inevitably be some job losses, but it will create opportunities for other employees to come into the system,” he explains.


Hogan Lovells will attend the Investing in African Mining Indaba that will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from February 4 to 7. Beech mentions that the event provides an opportunity “to meet the entire spectrum of the industry” and the company’s primary goal is to network and reconnect with individuals with whom it has established business relationships, as well as meet new people.

Beech is looking forward to Mantashe’s speech and his interpretation of the extent to which his department has succeeded since his appointment, as well as getting a sense of what is going to happen over the next 12 to 18 months in South Africa, internationally and particularly in Africa.

Edited by Zandile Mavuso
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor: Features

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