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SAIMM is proud to partner with Anglo American Platinum, Implats, Sibanye Stillwater, SRK Consulting and Ukwazi with the goal of establishing and entrenching not only strategic relationships, but useful and uplifting networks of people and professionals.
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The leadership of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, an independent professional institute of international standing for over 130 years, notes with sadness the gravity of the human tragedy that occurred at Stilfontein in the North West Province of South Africa over the last few weeks. The death of at least seventy-eight miners brings to light the need for collaborative efforts to address social, criminal, and legal challenges that arise as a result of progressive mine closures and the loss of mining jobs and the concomitant socio-economic distress that this causes in an already stressed South African economic climate. While there are many dimensions to the illegal mining conundrum, this tragic incident has been precipitated by progressive minerals industry contraction, high levels of unemployment and poverty, and exacerbated by organised crime, it must nevertheless be seen and responded to primarily as a humanitarian crisis of significant proportion.
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We are pleased to invite you to the 130th Anniversary Banquet of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM), a momentous occasion to celebrate the rich legacy and enduring impact of the SAIMM. This prestigious event will honour our history, recognise our achievements, and connect minerals industry professionals on the common vision of a reimagined minerals industry.
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Sibanye Stillwater, a multinational mine company, proved its dedication to health and safety by recently scooping six industry health and safety awards at the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, SAIMM MineSafe2024 conference.
The conference covered a range of critical topics, including safety, health, and environmental issues within the mining industry, with a focus on the well-being of employees, contractors, and local communities. It emphasised the importance of reducing the environmental impact of mining and metallurgical processes.
September 20th, 2024
By Phillipa Burmeister, partner at SRK Consulting, South Africa
Like many life-changing decisions, mine was taken on a Tuesday with only the most cursory consideration and little understanding of how it would affect my career. Rhodes University was offering a new subject, Environmental Science. To an idealistic 18-year-old it seemed interesting, new and shiny and possibly something that might be useful in the future. I couldn’t be more grateful for a seemingly innocuous decision.
October 17th, 2024
By Leigh McMaster, principal specialist: Safety and Behaviour at the Minerals Council South Africa
Mining has played a crucial role in South Africa’s economic development and history, shaping both the nation’s economy and its social landscape. Mining in the country dates back to the early inhabitants who extracted minerals for tools and ornaments. However, modern mining began in the 19th century with the discovery of diamonds in Kimberley (1867) and gold on the Witwatersrand (1886). The gold rush led to rapid urbanisation and the establishment of Johannesburg, transforming it into a major economic hub. The influx of workers also spurred the development of infrastructure and services.
In this compelling episode of The Crucible, former SAIMM President Zelmia Botha (Koketso Project & Commissioning Manager at Anglo American), sits down with Erwee Lourens (Senior Manager of Progress at ArcelorMittal South Africa) to explore South Africa’s ambitious decarbonisation efforts. Erwee, an industry expert, dives into the pressing challenges and groundbreaking opportunities on the path to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. He unpacks the complex balancing act between meeting the country’s energy demands and reducing emissions, emphasising that South Africa’s energy sector remains the largest contributor to carbon output. He also highlights the stark contrast between developed nations with greater resources for decarbonisation, and South Africa’s need to navigate its transition carefully to avoid economic disruption.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of energy, sustainability, and the evolving industrial landscape in South Africa.
Listen to the conversation: https://iono.fm/e/1534106
As highlighted in some of my previous articles, the role of mining in the global economy cannot be underestimated. For centuries, the mining industry has contributed to the sustainable economic development of many countries. In fact, Max Plank, the father of quantum physics, is famously quoted to having said that ‘mining is not everything, but without mining there is nothing’.…
SEE MOREThe mining industry is an integral part of the South African economy. According to the Minerals Council of South Africa, the mining industry contributed around 425 billion rands (or 6.2%) to the country’s GDP in 2023. In the same period, the mining industry also employed over 470,000 people, thereby contributing significantly to the socioeconomic wellbeing of mining and nearby communities.…
SEE MOREIn one of my previous articles, I floated the idea that critical minerals can be key levers to industrial development, leading to substantive technological and economic catch-up. Although the role of mineral endowment in the technological and economic catch-up framework is vague and still poorly understood, there is no doubt that value addition and localisation of manufacturing value chains can…
SEE MOREThe mining industry is an exciting space, where the convergence of environmental stewardship, socio-economic responsibility, and technological innovation is reshaping the way we approach mine closure. As we navigate this complex landscape, the importance of mine closure planning is becoming more and more pronounced. Effective mine closure begins long before the end of operations, with proactive strategies that anticipate challenges…
SEE MOREAs the incoming President of SAIMM, I have been reflecting on my 34-year career in the mining industry and the lessons I have learned; lessons I can leverage to lead SAIMM and support the industry during my tenure. Writing this month’s journal comment provides an opportunity to share part one of some of these insights. Each role, as well as…
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