Modern Mining February 2015

EVENTS

a troubled resources sector Touching on the thorny problem of power supply, he conceded that South Africa was experiencing challenges. “We are paying par- ticular attention to energy as we acknowledge the reality that there is no mining without energy. Accordingly, we are supporting and augmenting Eskom capacity to attain a long term sustainable financial solution, allowing renewables to come on line, deploying solar power, processing applications for private coal power stations and finding possible partners in the development of nuclear energy. However, our crowning glory is the Great Inga project, where South Africa has signed an off-take con- tract for 2 500 MW annually by 2023.”

Ramatlhodi’s speech seemed to get a mixed response from delegates, with some (who Modern Mining talked to) labelling it as posi- tive and others believing it failed to deliver the assurances that potential investors in South Africa’s mining sector were seeking. There was particular skepticism about the power genera- tion initiatives, not least the promise of power from Inga (in the DRC), a project that has been doing the rounds for years with not much

A typical scene at the Mining Indaba, which attracts delegates from over 100 countries.

South Africa’s Minister of Minerals Resources, Adv Ngoako Ramatlhodi, delivers his keenly anticipated keynote address.

February 2015  MODERN MINING  25