Historic Round Table takes mining sector to another level
The mining fraternity of Ekurhuleni held its first Ekurhuleni Mining Round Table, in a bid to strengthen its stakeholder relations in mining.
The key focus of the day was the importance of revitalising the mining forum in Ekurhuleni.
This was highlighted by the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for City Planning and Economic Development in Ekurhuleni, Clr Thumbu Mahlangu.
“The absence of engagement results in challenges within this sector piling up, because they are not communicated as and when they occur.
“The forum will ensure that the municipality and its stakeholders work effectively together to iron out challenges and pave a way forward towards the development and sustainability of the sector,” said Mahlangu.
The forum, which will sit on a quarterly basis, comprises representatives from the Departments of Mineral Resources, Trade and Industry and the South African Police Services (SAPS).
Representatives from other organisations will be introduced at the first sitting of the forum.
Lawrence Zwane, a representative of Apollo Bricks, echoed Mahlangu’s sentiments, saying that having a mining forum will provide a platform that will allow the industry to engage the various spheres of government and reinforce compliance in the mining fraternity.
“Coming from a company that depends on the mining of clay to make bricks, we are confronted by many challenges of safety and other factors, such as illegal mining,” he said.
“This forum will oversee what we do and ensure that all companies comply with the Mineral Petroleum Resource Development Act.”
