The heat is on the mining sector for leadership in the quest for shared economic value in South Africa and globally, it emerged in the recent African Mining Indaba in Cape Town. “A key message coming from this highly successful conference was that mining’s future success will be dependent on how well it contributes to sustainable prosperity for all stakeholders – investors, governments and communities,” said SRK Consulting Chairman Roger Dixon.

In the South African context, said Dixon, this needs to start with better education, quality health services and sustainable employment. “Even before building on the many opportunities that Africa’s minerals offer, the mining sector needs skilled professionals to develop and maintain infrastructure and  mines,” he said. “If our education system is not delivering the skills we need, then industry needs to act on this.”

He pointed out the developments in the continent’s iron ore sector, for example, which were demanding the rapid roll-out of new rail, port and other infrastructure. The positive impact of these projects would be enhanced if implemented through strategies that promoted skills transfer, community development, environmental awareness and commercial sustainability.

“It was clear to those attending the Indaba that African countries want miners and explorers to invest,” said Dixon. “But it is also clear that this investment must be rooted in greater sharing of the economic benefits among stakeholders. As an engineering consultancy with expertise in the technical, environmental and social aspects of projects, we are excited that we can bring local skills and solutions to these challenges.”