Stakeholders in the mining industry have gathered at the Mining Summit in Nasrec, south of Johannesburg, to find sustainable solutions to the challenges affecting the industry such as energy supply, health and safety.

The summit is a partnership between the Department of Minerals and Energy and the South African Mining Development Association (SAMDA).

Delegates attending the two-day summit, which kicked off on Tuesday, include government officials, business, labour and civil society.

Other issues to be discussed include, social and labour plans, infrastructure and logistics and shortage of skills.

The department is also expected to participate in an Electra Mining exhibition in partnership with all its stakeholders from Tuesday to Saturday.

The objective of the bi-annual show is to raise awareness in the mining industry and to promote investment in South African mining while showcasing the department and the services it provides to the mining fraternity.

In June, the department made recommendations to Cabinet to improve South Africa’s capacity for streamlining its oil demand which may lead to costs of up to R1 billion, much of which would need to be borne by the industry.

Deputy Director General for Hydrocarbons and Energy Planning in the department, Nhlanhla Gumede said at the time that the costs to the economy could be far higher if the recommendations were not implemented, and warned that South Africa could face shortages of liquid fuel if infrastructure were not boosted.

By 2025, South Africa’s energy demands would likely have doubled, said Mr Gumede, with the country importing far more than it produces. – BuaNews