The SAIMM is a professional institute with local and international links aimed at assisting members source information about technological developments in the mining, metallurgical and related sectors.
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  • CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

    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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TOP NEWS

  • Read Dr Elias Matinde's in SA Mining Magazine

    oped 02052025In the March/April issue of SA Mining Magazine, SAIMM President, Dr. Elias Matinde (PhD) shares his vision for the future of South Africa’s mining industry. He emphasises how innovation, skills development, and collaboration will be key to shaping the industry’s future.

  • Balancing Energy Demands and Sustainability: South Africa’s Hydrogen Revolution

    OPINION EDITORIAL

    Balancing Energy Demands and Sustainability: South Africa’s Hydrogen Revolution

    By Dr Darija Susac,
    2nd Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Conference Committee Member and Acting Director of HySA Catalysis Centre of Competence

    Economic growth and socioeconomic development in any country is undeniably linked to its ability to produce energy, maintain energy independence, and achieve energy sustainability. To date, the world remains highly dependent on affordable fossil fuel resources, to meet ever increasing energy demand. However, the burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere which adds to naturally occurring processes.

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  • Charting the Future of African Mining and Geotechnical Excellence

    OPINION EDITORIAL

    The AfriRock 2025 Conference comes at a pivotal time for the African mining and geotechnical engineering sectors, presenting a vital platform to confront key industry challenges while showcasing innovation, sustainability and skills development. With a landscape defined by rapid technological change and growing social and environmental expectations, the industry must take stock of where it is and where it’s going.

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  • The Mining Industry in 2025: Challenges, Innovation, and the Road Ahead

    GMG-SAIMM IN-PERSON FORUM
    OPINION EDITORIAL

    By Dr Gargi Mishra, Organizing Committee Member GMG-SAIMM Johannesburg Forum, Mining Innovation Thought leader

    The global mining industry is navigating a landscape shaped by economic uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and evolving regulations. Rising operational costs, geopolitical tensions, and shifting policies are influencing investment decisions. Supply chain bottlenecks and international conflicts are further increasing delays and expenses, while regulatory shifts—including trade policies and tariffs—add layers of complexity.

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  • SAIMM Statement on Stilfontein Tragedy

    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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From the committees

  • Podcast: Hydrometallurgy of the Future

    Podcast banner 2025 Buhle Xakalashe 02052025
     
    The world’s dependency on metals has become more evident with the growing demand for metals required to drive advancements in the technological and digital landscape, and the energy transition for a carbon neutral future. This growing demand, however, implies that the metal extraction industry will need to play a significant role in providing the world with vast quantities of metals, crucial in the building of the necessary infrastructure. Join Buhle Xakalashe and Jochen Petersen for their discussion on the future of Hydrometallurgy.
    This episode was recorded with the Hydrometallurgy Conference in mind, which has since passed, but we believe that this is a pertinent episode which continues to drive the post-conference conversation forward.

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From the President's Corner

  • Legacy tailings and slag dumps: Turning challenges into opportunities

    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’.

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  • Navigating the complexity of retrenchments and layoffs in the mining industry: In search of a collective ubuntu-based approach

    The 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.

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  • Industrial policy: Key to unlocking beneficiation potential?

    In 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

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From the Journal Comments

  • Mine Closures – Past, Present and Future…

    The 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

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  • Past, Present and Future Insights to be shared

    As 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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