Our feature article addresses the issue of safety. We all acknowledge that mining takes place in a dangerous environment, therefore, it is imperative that safety becomes second nature. This attitude is now widely espoused in the industry as is evidenced by the number of chief executives of mining houses who have said they will not mine if the conditions are not safe. The industry is to hold a CEO round table on safety at the end of August followed by a tripartite safety summit. As leadership and culture are major influence on value and belief systems, the challenge will be to change the mindset of all involved in the industry and to encourage and grow a culture of respect and participation.

Another issue that has plagued the industry since mining began is silicosis. The incidence of silicosis is exacerbated by the strong association between silicosis and tuberculosis in South Africa; with tuberculosis itself compounded by the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. In the 1960s the mining industry held a leading position in research on dust exposure and control and also in education and training on dust issues. This position needs to be re-established through the use of modern educational methods and technology to raise awareness about dust exposure.

The energy crisis in the country has led to a resurgence of interest in coal as a source of energy both to produce heat and to provide electricity; as a result demand has risen and prices have surged. The local mining industry is well positioned to capitalise on these developments. We take an in-depth look at the coal value chain from the moment deposits are located until it is used at an Eskom power station or transformed into gas to make crude oil.

We again throw the spotlight on security in the industry. Mines have long been the target of theft, however, they also face risks in the form of organised crime, illegal small-scale subsistence mining, armed robberies, white-collar crime, cyber hacking and data theft. Security experts emphasise that modern threats include a combination of factors ranging from problems with untrained, unskilled security personnel to corruption, and to the theft of vital infrastructural items, such as copper cabling, or operational equipment.

Recent research undertaken for the Mining Qualifications Authority shows the mining industryÕs position vis a vis the implementation of the Skills Development Act. The conclusion reached is that all in all the mining sector is very involved in training, this is especially encouraging as in mining, training and health and safety are intrinsically linked.

Less positive news, however, is that although the Mining Charter milestone of a 10% participation by women in the industry by 2009, some of the major mining houses have cautiously indicated that this target is not going to be an easy one to meet. The Mine Health and Safety Council has expressed concern about the health and safety issues associated with deep and ultra-deep level mining on women and proposes extensive effort, research, commitment and stakeholder participation to ensure a safe and healthy mining environment for women.

The history of mining in South Africa is intrinsically linked to Teba Ltd. Teba can no longer simply be described as a labour broker or a corporate development agency. Its modern incarnation emphasises development in the deep rural areas that many mineworkers still regard as home, whilst still facilitating a wide range of employment matters for around 230 000 workers.