Mining Security biggest Challenge

Mine Security in Africa his becoming a growing concern over the last 12 months and this despite its risks for the country itself is a key issue for the Mining industry. Neil de Beer, Secretary General, OABD will be speaking to the leading African mining companies on the Brand Africa concept and if we can possibly achieve sustainable development in the Mining Sector without Transformation of Africa’s thinking.
The Brand Africa concept speak of the countries ultimate objectives of a so-called "New Approach" to the development of effective strategies for the sustainable growth and meaningful transformation of the South African mining sector and how the continent has “taken on a mammoth task”.
Forecasts predict that South Africa’s mining sector will reach a value in excess of US$37bn by 2014. Africa is expected to be one of the first to bounce back from the depressed levels of 2009, and is likely to be among the first to benefit when the global economy returns to strength. Mining remains a key economic sector for South Africa, contributing some 8% to GDP. What the long-term future holds for the South African mining industry depends a lot on the result of exploration activities and any future changes made to mining regulations by the government.
Urgent discussions and negotiations aimed at producing the required strategies are set to take place between major, tripartite industry stakeholders announced the NGM Committee – Government, business and organised labor. These strategies will provide a comprehensive process that has been established to arrive at a new and productive economic policy for the country. Functioning in the correct environment the business of mining in South Africa retains considerable potential to assist Government in the achievement of critical public policy imperatives which include expanded economic growth, job creation and the alleviation of poverty.
The continent's is also embracing foreign investment agreed representatives from African Diamonds Plc - James Campbell, Managing Director , Banro Corporation - Michael Prinsloo, President & CEO , Ghana Chamber of Mines - Joyce Aryee, CEO and the Xstrata Group - Andile Sangqu, CEO Africa Executive Director, the mining industry is continually expanding and adapting to changing conditions with more international companies scrambling for a piece of the continent's resources.

Although underexplored, Africa hosts about 30% of the planet's mineral reserves, including 40% of gold, 60% of cobalt and 90% of the world's PGM reserves - making it a truly strategic producer of these precious metals. Most recently Russia is ready to invest US$1 billion (R7.5 billion) in uranium exploration in Namibia, as well as investment from Brazil, Australia and China.

South Africa has readied itself for a lucrative future and it seems that the rest of the world has taken heed.

Latin America Finds Growth

Latest reports from Brazil suggest that the economy’s growth is reaching sustainable levels in Latin America. Inflation is expected to end above centre of the government target, but despite this growth the market seems to be maintaining a sustainable pace and not overheating. The first Quarter of this year has seen the biggest economy growth since 1996 when the government implemented its current methodology. Growth is fantastic for the economy but fears among the consumer of increasing prices and security threats have lead to the meetings of some of the continents leading names in finance in Latin America.

The Growth seen has boosted the countries ranking within the global arena and has allowed there voice to be heard in negotiations over economic and financial reform. Over 50 leading executives from the finance industry including Banco Azteca - Juan Arevalo, CIO, Banco Santander Brazil - Claudio Prado, CIO, HSBC Mexico - Ignacio Vera, CIO, Standard Bank - Stuart Pallant, CIO for Americas, will be meeting at the FST LA summit to discuss how to maintain sustainable growth and how playing with the ‘big boys’ will affect the way they do business.

Europe, Asia and the U.S. still recovering from the global crash many economies across Latin America have rebounded. The demand for Latin America commodities such as Mexico’s oil, Chile’s copper and Brazils Iron Ore means that economists predict a period of sustained growth. On Tuesday Brazil revealed the biggest economy growth since 1996 when the government implemented its current methodology in the first quarter of this year of 9%. At last Latin America is having their voice heard and finding themselves with a greater persuasive power.

Where Latin America has differed from other countries is there debt management while enjoying the political and global positioning the have paid back $15.5 billion over the last 5 years and last year agreed to purchase $10 billion in IMF bonds to help it finance programmes. Latin America is now even offering advice to Europe suggesting that the continent adopts reform to enhance productivity and competitiveness.

Attendees to the latest FST LA summit will be discussing the latest in technology trends and investment opportunities to ensure continuous, but more importantly safe growth, it seems that governments and industry leaders have at last learnt the lessons from the economic crash. With the increased pressure that comes hand in hand with success within a global market it has become crucial for financial services to be implemented through efficient process networks. Business Process Management’s systems have become increasingly vital for business operations, driving profits and removing bottlenecks. The right systems and management programs will be key to continue the success that Latin America is beginning to see.