PROFILE
the continent to improve the long term outcomes and reduce the potential for negative legacies .
Pressure points The industry faces on-going pressure to prove a demonstrable positive legacy and remain a viable choice in terms of economic activity .
“ Despite difficult global circumstances , where it is a price taker and affected by the economic swings and roundabouts of global economies such as China , the industry needs to deliver real local benefits ,” says Digby .
Cost reduction measures are becoming more common place across the industry and Digby believes that this is tempting companies to dismiss these legacies as “ non-core issues .”
“ As the management of any mine or shaft closed by regulators on safety grounds , by communities on social licence issues – or after environmental infringements – can testify , the cost of remediation goes way beyond the sometimes puny fines that regulators levy ,” she says .
Caroline Digby , Director at the Centre for Sustainability in Mining and Industry ( CSMI ) at Wits School of Mining Engineering
Technology and Innovation The impacts of technology and innovation are not only affecting the future of the industry , but very much the here and now . Automation is one of the largest technological changes in mining , resulting in more remote mining and fewer workers .
For Africa , this presents the possibility of significant job losses – particularly amongst lower skilled workers .
“ Our focus is on engaging companies on the need to plan for this and retrain workers to develop portable skills ,” says Digby .
12 September 2016