Despite the popular belief that the proliferation of mechanised mines in the African mining industry will lead to job losses, mechanised mining does generate new employment opportunities, albeit indirectly through the maintenance, logistics, spare parts transportation, fuel requirements and other supporting services like training, explains mining equipment and services provider Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology business development manager for Southern Africa Andrew Main.
Sandvik is assisting in creating indirect employment opportunities through its manufacturing facility in South Africa, where it produces load and haul equipment. The facility was launched in September this year and employs 15 people. There will be local indirect supply chain opportunities for this manufacturing facility.
“Yes, fewer people will work on mines, owing to mechanisation, but the employment that remains will be more rewarding and provide higher income-earning opportunities. The increased mechanisation of mines will also place operations in a better position to be sustainable for the longer term, benefiting the communities that surround them through the resultant improved profitability,” he states.
Main points out that the jobs associated with mechanised mining will also require different skill levels. Sandvik has 25 trainers at its Jet Park training facility, in Gauteng, accredited by the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority.
Denne historien er fra November 03, 2017-utgaven av Mining Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra November 03, 2017-utgaven av Mining Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Supply Cliff?
Commodities supply shortfall looming following years of underinvestment
Strikes Threaten Coal Sector
If an agreement cannot be reached on the future structure and form of wage nego­tiations in the coal sector, unions have threatened to strike, says Solidarity mining industry deputy general secretary Connie Prinsloo.
Continued Focus On Downstream Development
Continued Focus On Downstream Development
Unrelenting Scourge
Mining fatalities in South Africa rise for first time in decade
Plea For Open Discussion
Diamonds body calls for ‘productive dialogue’ on Kimberley Process reform
Deep Potential
Stillwater deal seen positioning Sibanye as globally competitive mining champion.
Explosive Advantage
Explosives reloading system helping Gold One to reduce mining costs.
Critical Juncture
South Africa’s mining sector at a crossroads, collaborative effort required.
Consulting Engineering's Viability Proportional to Mining's Growth
The consulting engineer-ing industry’s sustain-ability and growth are largely dependent on and proportional to the mining industry’s sustainability and growth respectively, says industry body Consulting Engineers South Africa (Cesa).
Greater Emphasis On Ensuring Sustainability
Engineering expertise can be used to generate socio-economic gains for mining companies, particularly in jurisdictions that are dependent on the finite business of mineral extraction, states global engineering and infrastructure advisory firm Aurecon, an adviser to the African mining sector.
