Abstract

MACFARLANE, A.S.. Presidential Address: Towards the future: African Mining Vision, Mining Phakisa and the SAIMM. J. S. Afr. Inst. Min. Metall. [online]. 2018, vol.118, n.9, pp.899-916. ISSN 2411-9717.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2411-9717/2018/v118n9a1.

Recent political winds of change blowing through the African continent have created the hope of a new dawn for the mining industry, and a renewed impetus to support the African Mining Vision. South Africa finds itself well positioned to support the African Mining Vision, and the Mining Phakisa process has laid a solid foundation for the country to play a key role in the attainment of the Vision. Furthermore, the renewed focus on the National Development Plan has increased the need for the mining industry in South Africa to reinvigorate itself, and to be a key contributor to gross domestic product once again. The Phakisa outcomes have resulted in renewed support for research and development within the mining industry, as well as support for localization in the manufacture of mining equipment, for domestic use and for export to the rest of the continent. Further emphasis is being placed on stimulating alternate businesses near mining communities, through the establishment of small- and medium-sized enterprises. In the area of research and development, the recent establishment of the Mandela Mining Precinct bears testimony to these renewed efforts by the State, industry, and other stakeholders in developing a vision for Mining 2030. All of these thrusts are based on the principles of collaboration, open innovation, transparency, and transformation. None of them will be achievable without capacity building, capability creation, and development. It is within this spirit of collaboration and journey of renewal that the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy must find its place and the supportive role that it can play. The incoming President of the SAIMM has been deeply involved in the Phakisa process, and continues to be involved in the research and development initiatives, as well as working with transformation, empowerment, and health and safety issues in the industry. This Address will therefore unpack the vision and objectives of the African Mining Vision, in terms of how the Mining Phakisa in South Africa aligns to it and how the Institute can and should play a supportive role in the Mining 2030 vision. The SAIMM, being the Southern African institute as it is, can play a pivotal role in supporting skills upgrading, gender equality in the industry, transformation and empowerment, research and development, and social upliftment in mining-based communities.

        · text in English     · English ( pdf )