Johannesburg - The Chamber of Mines, National Union of Mineworkers and the mineral resources department will hold a mining lekgotla next month.
In a joint statement on Thursday, they said the event
would be a gathering of major players in the South African mining
industry.
It would attempt to find solutions to problems facing the industry by creating various scenarios for the future.
Chamber of Mines CEO Bheki Sibiya said the lekgotla's
main goal was for mining industry leaders to identify and deal with
issues such as risks, competitiveness, social pressures and growth
opportunities.
"All these key issues need to be understood to enable
the industry to achieve optimal returns on investment, and in a manner
that will serve the best medium- and long-term interests of all South
Africans," he said.
The parties said it was a good sign that business, labour and government were participating in the lekgotla.
"The fact that three of the major social partners in
the mining sector have come together to find solutions to future
challenges augurs well for the industry, as each grouping brings unique
insights, understandings and inputs to the table."
Some of the issues to be looked at include options for nationalisation, acid mine drainage, and beneficiation opportunities.
The aims of the lekgotla would be aligned to those of the mining industry growth development and employment task team (MIGDETT).
It will be held on June 4 and 5 in Johannesburg.