Indaba told of lessons to be learnt in mining industry

Cape Town 08-02 -16 Minister of Mineral Resources Mr Mosebenzi J Mosebenzi (MP) officially opening the Mining Indaba at CTICC Pic Brenton Geach Pic Brenton Geach Picture Brenton Geach

Cape Town 08-02 -16 Minister of Mineral Resources Mr Mosebenzi J Mosebenzi (MP) officially opening the Mining Indaba at CTICC Pic Brenton Geach Pic Brenton Geach Picture Brenton Geach

Published Feb 9, 2016

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Nicolette Dirk

THE Investing in Africa Mining Indaba kicked off on Monday at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) with more than 7 000 mining professionals attending the four-day event.

Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane officially opened the world’s largest gathering of mining’s most influential roleplayers on the African continent.

This year, 45 African and non-African government delegations will participate in the Indaba with representatives of 2 300 international companies.

Monday’s agenda included corporate mining presentations from heads of companies like Anglo American, Rio Tinto and metals and mining company South 32.

Zwane also hosted an investment dialogue on growth and stability along with Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies, Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel and others. In his opening speech, Zwane said the Indaba came at a time that the mining industry was experiencing what some characterised as a crisis.

“I am convinced that during our summer season, as an industry, we have failed ourselves in not preparing better for this winter,” he said.

He said the question now was what lessons could be learnt to ensure workers in the mining industry didn’t remain the worst affected.

Political stability, stable labour market conditions and job losses in the industry were some of the main issues Zwane assured delegates the government had plans to tackle.

While the industry’s issues are the focus at the Indaba, its spin-off effect is economically beneficial for the city.

Wesgro chairperson Tim Harris said the Indaba had many positive economic effects and

showcased our world-class infrastructure, natural scenic beauty, accommodation and conference facilities.

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