At the first of a series of Summits scheduled in Limpopo, the Mining Sector came under the spotlight in Polokwane on Tuesday.

Several key issues, including opportunities and problems in the mining industry, were highlighted at the gathering, which was addressed by a number of high-profile speakers.

National Mineral and Energy Minister Phumzile Mlambo-Nqcuka said Limpopo had become known in the last few years as the country's new mining province, with immense growth potential.

She pointed out that the nation's top diamond mine (Venetia) was situated in the province. In addition to this, Limpopo also supplied most of the country's copper, while also maintaining its position as an important producer of platinum, chrome and vanadium.

Training

The minister said the province would have to launch into an extensive skills training programme, to prepare the labour force for the many jobs which would become available in the mining sector.

She expressed concern about the low percentage of women employed by the mining sector. This matter would have to be ad-dressed, in view of the unique contribution women could make to this industry.

Community Development

In acknowledging the major role mining companies were now playing in the economic development of the province, Ms Mlambo-Nqcuka called on them to give ongoing attention to community development, which would always remain an important social respon-sibility.

“The mining industry, with its history of migrant labour, must ensure that families live together - this will help to combat the current HIV/AIDS threat,” she insisted.

"If we work together, and do this thing properly, everyone will be winners," the minister added.

Premier's concerns

Limpopo Premier Sello Moloto said massive investments in the mining sector during the past ten years had given Limpopo a competitive edge over its main rivals. These investments had led to a growing economy, which had by far surpassed the national average.

"The worrying aspect about this growth has, however, been a concern, perceived or real, that these investments have not been creating the number of jobs proportionate to the investments themselves," the Premier commented.

He also expressed concern about the outcry from many people living alongside mining sites, who did not understand the complexities of such developments. One of the reasons for the summit was to help peo-ple understand the issues involved, and to assist them in seeing themselves as equal partners and roleplayers in the industry.

Water shortage and health hazards

The Premier explained that pollution and health hazards, due to mining operations, were other problems which needed to be addressed.

The water question presented one of the greatest challenges of all, he said. Mining companies had been very helpful in this regard, and he looked forward to further partnerships with them, in addressing this issue.

"The plan to build the De Hoop Dam to supply water to the mines around Sekhukhuneland is at an advanced stage; in the same vein, the raising of the wall of the Flag Boshielo Dam is progressing well, and similar steps are being explored for the Mokolo, Tzaneen and Nwamitwa Dams," Moloto continued.

Interventions

He said the provincial government was acutely aware of the skills shortage in the mining sector, and there had already been intervention in this regard, such as the introduction of mining courses at the University of the North.

An action plan would hopefully emerge from the Summit, to provide answers to some of the challenges facing the province.

Other issues discussed during the Summit included the prospects for platinum and coal beneficiation, legal frameworks related to labour matters, challenges and opportunities for smaller enterprises, Limpopo's road and rail plans, future expansion of mining activities in Limpopo, partnerships and employment strategies.

Prominent speakers and discussion leaders were Dr Paul Jourdan of Mintek, Ms Bridgette Radebe of the South African Mining Development Association, Mr Ernst Venter of of Kumba Resources, and Mr Keith Marshall of Phalabora Mining Company.

The Summit was the first of three planned conferences to address the unemployment situation in Limpopo. Tourism and Agricultural summits are to be held during the next three weeks.