Last week’s 125th annual general meeting of the Chamber of Mines of South Africa showed resolve to put mining back on the front foot, despite the current tough period that is characterised by depressed commodity prices, rapidly escalating costs, electricity supply problems and continued uncertainty about some mining and transformation laws.
The chamber revealed that it has the full backing of its council for a strategy aimed at doubling mining investment by 2030.
The chamber is keen to continue to fulfil its contribution to investment, economic growth, transformation and development of this country. Read on page 13 of this edition of Mining Weekly of its view that all key industry stakeholders need to work together to rebuild confidence in the national interest.
A key issue is South Africa’s standing as a preferred mining investment destination and how it is stacking up against the likes of Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia in Africa and against Australia and Canada globally.
Project Phakisa – or Operation Hurry Up – was held up as an opportunity to engage in fresh collaboration to resuscitate the industry’s flagging rapprochement with government.
A strong call was made on national leadership to position mining now to realise its vast potential in the years ahead.
The chamber itself has undertaken to work more assertively to “get this great industry” back on to the front foot.
Chamber of Mines president Mike Teke elaborates on the chamber’s plans.