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Podcast: Social licenses to operate (SLO) in the mining sector

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Created: Thursday, 19 June 2025 07:59

In this episode of The Crucible, host Kabelo Rathobei is joined by Alex Khumalo, Head of Social Performance at Minerals Council South Africa, for a deep dive into the often-misunderstood concept of the social license to operate (SLO) in the mining sector. Together, they explore why legal compliance alone is no longer enough and how mining companies must shift their focus from box-ticking exercises to building genuine, long-term partnerships with host communities. Alex discusses the importance of going beyond compliance, the role of government and policy and why collaboration and economic diversification are key to sustainable development. Whether you're in mining, policy or community engagement, this conversation offers valuable insight into the evolving expectations of the mining industry in South Africa.

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Presidential Address 2025: Beyond Effort-Driven Operations: Building People-Centric Operating Models for Mining's Future

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Created: Wednesday, 18 June 2025 09:46

The opportunity to serve as President of the prestigious Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) was made possible because of an Anglo American scholarship 39 years ago—a pivotal moment that set me on a career path spanning various roles and startup ventures in the mining industry.

Over the past decade, I have been privileged to broaden my experience by consulting across diverse industries globally. This exposure revealed something profound: what I had previously considered mining-specific challenges are, in fact, universal across many sectors.

Balancing Energy Demands and Sustainability: South Africa’s Hydrogen Revolution

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Created: Friday, 02 May 2025 08:08

OPINION EDITORIAL

Balancing Energy Demands and Sustainability: South Africa’s Hydrogen Revolution

By Dr Darija Susac,
2^nd Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Conference Committee Member and Acting Director of HySA Catalysis Centre of Competence

Economic growth and socioeconomic development in any country is undeniably linked to its ability to produce energy, maintain energy independence, and achieve energy sustainability. To date, the world remains highly dependent on affordable fossil fuel resources, to meet ever increasing energy demand. However, the burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere which adds to naturally occurring processes.

Charting the Future of African Mining and Geotechnical Excellence

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Created: Friday, 02 May 2025 08:07

OPINION EDITORIAL

The AfriRock 2025 Conference comes at a pivotal time for the African mining and geotechnical engineering sectors, presenting a vital platform to confront key industry challenges while showcasing innovation, sustainability and skills development. With a landscape defined by rapid technological change and growing social and environmental expectations, the industry must take stock of where it is and where it’s going.

The Mining Industry in 2025: Challenges, Innovation, and the Road Ahead

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Created: Friday, 02 May 2025 08:06

GMG-SAIMM IN-PERSON FORUM
OPINION EDITORIAL

By Dr Gargi Mishra, Organizing Committee Member GMG-SAIMM Johannesburg Forum, Mining Innovation Thought leader

The global mining industry is navigating a landscape shaped by economic uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and evolving regulations. Rising operational costs, geopolitical tensions, and shifting policies are influencing investment decisions. Supply chain bottlenecks and international conflicts are further increasing delays and expenses, while regulatory shifts—including trade policies and tariffs—add layers of complexity.

Podcast: Hydrometallurgy of the Future

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Created: Friday, 02 May 2025 07:52

Podcast: Exploring South Africa’s ambitious decarbonisation efforts

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Created: Monday, 10 March 2025 08:22

In this compelling episode of The Crucible, former SAIMM President Zelmia Botha (Koketso Project & Commissioning Manager at Anglo American), sits down with Erwee Lourens (Senior Manager of Progress at ArcelorMittal South Africa) to explore South Africa’s ambitious decarbonisation efforts. Erwee, an industry expert, dives into the pressing challenges and groundbreaking opportunities on the path to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. He unpacks the complex balancing act between meeting the country’s energy demands and reducing emissions, emphasising that South Africa’s energy sector remains the largest contributor to carbon output. He also highlights the stark contrast between developed nations with greater resources for decarbonisation, and South Africa’s need to navigate its transition carefully to avoid economic disruption.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of energy, sustainability, and the evolving industrial landscape in South Africa.

Listen to the conversation: https://iono.fm/e/1534106

SAIMM 130th Anniversary Banquet Invitation

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Created: Thursday, 09 January 2025 07:19

We are pleased to invite you to the 130^th Anniversary Banquet of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM), a momentous occasion to celebrate the rich legacy and enduring impact of the SAIMM. This prestigious event will honour our history, recognise our achievements, and connect minerals industry professionals on the common vision of a reimagined minerals industry.

Leading Beyond Boundaries

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Created: Wednesday, 20 November 2024 15:23

An open conversation on embracing challenges and thoughtful leadership.
Listen in on this captivating conversation between Prelisha Singh, Mark Munroe, and Nomsa Mbere who discuss their experiences in leadership, pitching the appropriate leadership relationship, and the symbiotic nature of leadership roles.
Their conversation spotlights the importance of being open to learning, adapting one's leadership style to their environment, and addressing unconscious bias on the basis of gender.

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Productivity in the Minerals Industry

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Created: Thursday, 12 September 2024 15:54

In this insightful two-part episode, SAIMM YPC Chairperson, Kondwani Banda sits down with Arjen de Bruin, CEO of OIM Consulting to dive deep into the world of Productivity in the Mining Industry. Arjen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, sharing insights and best practice that is transforming the mining sector. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just curious about how productivity is evolving in the minerals industry, both episodes are packed with valuable insights you won’t want to miss.Tune in now! 
Part 1: https://iono.fm/e/1476647
Part 2: https://iono.fm/e/1476649