Mining although one of the biggest contributors to the African economy, is burdened with a wide rage of concerns when it comes to security. Rampant illegal mining, theft of precious metals and corruption has given rise for stringent security and control measures to be implemented although significant challenges arise due to remote locations, depth and extreme conditions. Going a step further in advancing knowledge about safeguarding the African mining industry from various threats, Fleming Gulf will organise the 2nd African Mine Security Summit from 15-17 April 2014 in Johannesburg.

The summit will explore various facets of mine security and bring together experts in the field to share success stories and case studies. Opportunities to integrate security with safety, strategies for fire prevention, human rights and illegal mining, security personnel training and latest security solutions will be some of the key topics addressed.

Neil Metzer, Security Coordinator at the Chamber of Mines South Africa and keynote speaker at the inaugural African Mine Security Summit mentioned, “Illegal mining has been highlighted as a national threat and a priority by the South African government and is estimated to have accounted for over R7.5 billion in lost revenue last year”, thus highlighting the need for optimized surveillance, access control and monitoring. Jenny Reid, Former President of the Security Association of South Africa during her speech last year said, “The destabilization wrought by strikes and a negative perception of mines in the media often devolves into significant security issues. Security is the linchpin of successful mine operations. It plays an important part in protecting the integrity of a mining company and the safety of people working at the mine.”

Reid will return to speak at the conference in 2015, along with Colonel Steven Moodley, Station Commander SAPS Midrand of the South African Police Service, Brian Gonsalves, Vice President: Global Security Sustainability at AngloGold Ashanti (South Africa) and Pieter van Greunen, Head of Metallurgy, Security and Loss Prevention at The DeBeers Group of Companies to name a few.

The conference, expected to gather around 150 delegates from across the continent, is supported by the Security Association of South Africa, and the Security Industry Alliance.