'Get the structures and policies right'

Mining remains a key pillar in many African countries, but ensuring they have the right policies in place is essential if they want minerals to be a resource rather than a curse. This is according to Roger Baxter, senior executive of the Chamber of Mines, who believes having the right structures in place is critical. “In South Africa, on the policy and regulatory front, we believe good progress has been made and there is a lot less uncertainty now than there was some years ago. Also all the talk of wholesale nationalism is off the table and we have resolved many issues that worried the mining sector.” But, said Baxter, for continued certainty good clear laws were needed in a country. “The key is to take a partnership approach between the various stakeholders. Government and the private sector have to work together and find solutions to their collective problems rather than each going it alone from their own corners.” Baxter said in South Africa labour unrest continued to be a concern despite major efforts to stabilise the sector. “Strike activity still exists but what is promising is that it is within the realms of the law, workplace rules are enforced and picketing rules are obeyed rather than what we saw some time ago.” INSERT Government and the private sector have to work together and find solutions to their collective problems rather than each going it alone from their own corners. – Roger Baxter