Promise of a ‘reality check’ at 2018 indaba
• Number of crucial issues will be deliberated openly and honestly by industry experts, writes Alf James
The 2018 Joburg Indaba will take place on October 3 and 4 at the Inanda Club in Johannesburg. Participants can once again look forward to a constructive and engaging two days where a diverse and representative speaking faculty of industry leaders, CEOs, investors and government and labour representatives will gather.
The sixth edition of the highly regarded and influential platform is expected to accommodate conversations among mining stakeholders that are open, honest, bold, fresh and to the point.
With the economy and Mining Charter front of mind, the event will take a “reality check” as it scrutinises the economy and the mining industry, says Paula Munsie, CEO of Resources 4 Africa.
She says some of the crucial issues that will be deliberated by industry experts include how can we truly enable this sector to create jobs and contribute to strong economic growth; how can we grow the industry; will Mining Charter 3 impede or empower the industry?; and what progress have we made over the past 10 years?
Organised by Resources 4 Africa and chaired by Bernard Swanepoel, the event will bring together influential CEOs, investors, government, industry experts and thought leaders who will participate in frank conversations about all matters relating to the mining industry.
“We are delighted to announce the participation Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe who will be giving the opening keynote address and Joseph Mathunjwa, president of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU), who will speak on October 4.”
The indaba promises to meet the high expectations the industry has of it with an excellent line-up of speakers. This, together with its interactive and informal atmosphere and the opportunity it affords to network with industry players, will ensure it remains a standout event on the mining calendar. Highlights include: ● Roger Baxter, Minerals Council SA CEO, will deliver a keynote address on: A “harsh” environment in SA or a new dawn? Where are we exactly? Have we seen any progress? Are we stagnating? Is regulatory certainty a realistic possibility or a distant dream?
● Mike Schussler, owner of Economists dotcoza, will give a high-level overview of the global economic climate and its impact on South African mining, global growth, commodities, Trump and his “trade war games”, China the consumer. What can we expect? How will these “realities” impact the mining industry? These issues will be debated in a discussion chaired by broadcast financial journalist Siki Mgabadeli, that will include Schussler and economist Thabi Leoka.
● A comparison between the performance of SA’s mining and that of the global industry by PwC Southern Africa CEO, Dion Shango. SA Mining vs Global Mining: what is the reality?
● Mxolisi Mgojo, president of the Minerals Council SA and CEO of Exxaro, will assess what has been achieved in the past 10 years and a panel of industry legends will give their personal reflections on the past decade.
● Former Capital Group fund manager and nonexecutive director of Anglo American Jim Rutherford, along with investors and industry investment experts, will discuss today’s sentiment towards mining investment in SA and Africa. How are international investors positioned in SA mining? What is the perception of the political and regulatory environment?
● With safety always a key focus area, the indaba will scrutinise what progress has been made towards achieving zero fatalities. Terence Goodlace will chair a panel on critical issues such as what are we doing on all fronts to attain zero harm in the work environment?; What is the sequence of events that typically lead to fatalities? How do you break the chain, preventing the “perfect storm”?
● A heavyweight panel of CEOs from platinum and gold mining companies and industry analysts will debate the opportunities and challenges for PGMs and gold including: platinum — is it still in crisis? What do you do in the present pricing environment? What are the results of recent strategic reviews and restructuring? I
● Industry leaders will debate opportunities and challenges for bulk commodities, such as how can bulk commodity producers maximise the benefits of commodity prices? What are the current constraints and challenges? Where are the future opportunities?