Mining News South Africa

Chamber of Mines rebrands to Minerals Council

The Chamber of Mines has reinvented itself as the Minerals Council South Africa to align with its vision for the future.
Mxolisi Mgojo, president of the Minerals Council
Mxolisi Mgojo, president of the Minerals Council

The name change comes at a time when the mining industry is in a state of flux, with mining houses under pressure from declining resources, low output and large-scale job losses in recent years.

“The reality of mining in South Africa in the past few years, and today, is that this remains an industry in crisis," says Mxolisi Mgojo, president of the Minerals Council.

South Africa is ranked number 47 out of 91 mining countries in the Fraser Institute Survey for investment attractiveness.

The increasing number of deaths in mines is another challenge facing the sector, with 33 fatalities reported so far this year. Most deaths have occurred in gold mines.

The council is also at odds with the Department of Mineral Resources over the proposed Mining Charter.

The body has also been accused of not doing enough to embrace transformation, which critics say contributes to inequality and economic imbalances. However, its members are committed to mining in an effective and responsible manner that will ensure fair returns to investors and the people of South Africa,” he says.

Moving forward

“This change signals our desire to move forward, building a new legacy, and creating a future of which all South Africans can be proud. We acknowledge our past; we do not accept that we cannot make things better for the future,” he says.

He states the organisation is aware that it has entered a “far more positive political environment than we have experienced in recent years”.

The Minerals Council represents more than 70 large, medium-sized, small and emerging mining houses.

Minerals Council members make up about 90% of South Africa’s mineral production by value.

“As the Minerals Council, we are aware that a new logo will not create a new legacy. Rather, the logo is a symbol of the organisation and industry’s efforts and aspirations,” Mgojo says.

Let's do Biz