Future of the South African mining industry and the roles of the SAIMM and the Universities
Southern Africa hosts the oldest known mine in the world, the 40 000 year old Ngwenya mine in Swaziland, where haematite was mined, presumably for use as a cosmetic. Due to the lack of documented history of the early stages of mining in the region, we today know only that of which scars or relics are still visible or which is still contained in folklore. It is, however, known that coal was mined by indigenous people in KwaZulu Natal. Mining has always been an integral activity of the region. The discovery of gold and diamonds and the subsequent related industries, supported by coal mining to provide energy and followed by several other mining industries, is well known and documented. The role that mining played in the social and economic development of the country cannot be denied. Mining was pivotal in the political development of the country. Now, in 2011, we have a well developed, mature industry facing serious challenges, and it is perhaps opportune to reflect on the way forward and to examine whether the bright past of the industry is reflected in the future. A number of indicators will be briefly reviewed in this paper, including the need for the products of mining, the availability of resources, the political environment, scientific support to the industry, and the provision of the necessary skills to operate the mines. This will be done from the point of view of an engineer, not a political scientist, economist, or whatever other form of analyst. The Encyclopaedia Britannica defines engineering as ‘The application of science to Future of the South African mining industry and the roles of the SAIMM and the Universities