CENTRE FOR SUSTAINABILITY IN MINING AND INDUSTRY ( CSMI )
“ MINING COMPANIES WERE FACING INCREASING
RISKS RESULTING
FROM POOR ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE ” to a position where it contributed to sustainable development .”
Backed initially by companies like mining giant BHP Billiton , CSMI today trains regulators and industry practitioners alike in health and safety , risk management , environmental management and community development .
“ At the time , the industry safety record in South Africa was unacceptable . One of the early initiatives was to drive a concerted approach to reporting transparently on safety performance using industry benchmarks and indicators ,” says Digby .
Safety continues to be a major focus and numerous programmes to bring regulators , mineworkers and mining companies closer together on safety issues have been launched or supported by CSMI .
Health issues have also risen up the agenda – particularly in the light of class action lawsuits against the majors .
“ Our research and training links safety not only to occupational health but also to the other problems so frequently associated with the health of mineworkers ( AIDS , TB and silicosis ).”
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