More se uitdaging vir die Suid-Afrikaanse mynboubedryf

Abstract

The strategic importance of certain minerals, the value of mineral production to the South African economy and the importance of minerals in everyone's daily life are outlined. Tomorrow's challenge is based on two important issues, namely the control of inflation and the provision of adequate manpower. High rates of inflation and interest rates have a detrimental effect on long-term planning for high-capital mining projects. Unstable metal prices, which are affected by the world economic climate, political issues and other factors, make financing and forward planning of projects difficult. Control of working costs in respect of labour, power, fuel and equipment is extremely important, especially in regard to the exploitation of low-grade ore bodies. Large-scale expansion of the coal mining industry is planned, but the advisability of large good-grade coal exports is questioned. Uranium must play a greater role in world power generation in the future, and the protection of the environment must receive more attention. The industries' personnel requirements is discussed against the background of past shortages and the dependence on immigrants. Important issues are the role of diplomates from technikons in lower management positions, the employment of graduates in industry, training, and the role of the two traditional mining schools at the Universities of the Witwatersrand and Pretoria. The small number of Afrikaans-speaking mining engineering students is discussed, as well as potential student sources. The Mining Department at Pretoria University is now 17 years old, and 111 graduates have been produced. Growth of the Department, liason with industry, consulting assignments by staff, and research directions are important aspects for the future. The use of computers in mining is emphasised. Specialisation through post-graduate courses, short courses for Industry, and mining tours are areas requiring attention.