Mining Security & Crisis Management Forum
The need for larger international cooperation to combat security problems in the mining industry was a theme that emerged frequently during the Mining Security & Crisis Management Forum, held on 12th to 13th of November 2014 in Cape Town. Security experts highlighted some crucial factors to halt the widespread and endemic illicit mining industry. These included effective corporate social responsibility (CSR) planning; focus on the future nature of the mine Security Managers role, including the growing demand for Security Managers with a strong sense of both physical and IT security; closer monitoring, along with the mines implementing effecting surveillance systems, which can significantly decrease the level of illegal mining, and in turn allow the economies of mineral rich African countries to reach their full potential.
IRN gathered a panel of outstanding experts from across the globe to provide delegates with a holistic overview of security and crisis management concerns and considerations for the mining industry. Proceedings of the Mining Security & Crisis Management Forum were opened by the Director-General of the Department of Military Veterans of South Africa. Speakers also included security experts from AngloGold Ashanti, Exxaro Resources, Vale Brazil, Kentz, Rio Zim, Vale Mozambique, Debswana Diamond, the Antwerp Wolrd Diamond Centre and De Beers amongst others. The speaker faculty provided attendees with real insights into their experience of security and crisis management in the often challenging mine-site operating environment.
Over the course of the two days, delegates heard from AngloGold Ashanti on Illicit trafficking of precious metals and its destabilising factor in systems of affected countries; Control Risks discussed terrorist activities in the region, and International SOS shed light on the current Ebola outbreak and the impact of this pandemic on corporations. There were case studies from mine sites in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa and Mozambique, as well as a highly topical panel discussion on the challenges around disaster and crisis management. The two-day meeting ended with an insightful workshop on the “Illusion of security” by a senior security expert from the Antwerp Diamond Centre. Following the end of the Forum, delegates were invited to a live Drone demonstration and Food and Drinks Reception at the Shimmy Beach Club, hosted by Firespec Systems.
This meeting was supported by the Security Association of South Africa and Exxaro Resources. The Gold Sponsor for this event was BT Communications Services South Africa, while other sponsors included Firespec Systems, AFIMAC, Dronetec, Omega Risk Solutions and Eunomix. Additional information can be found on the website www.miningsecurityforum.com. Documentation and presentations from this year’s Forum are available for purchase for those who were unable to attend.
