PRESIDENTIAL-ADDRESS - MINING AND THE NEW SOUTH-AFRICA

This Address opens with an outline of the role of The South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy in the New South Africa, and points out that the Institute, with its wealth of mining knowledge and experience, should become intimately involved in the formulation and reform of the mining legislation. A detailed examination is then made of the Government of National Unity's policies on mining and minerals processing, and it is concluded that the policies, being admirable, should be supported. However, the Institute should play a technical leadership role in smoothing the rough edges of the policies as stated in the reconstruction and Development Programme. The African National Congress's attitude to mining and the environment is discussed, with some comment on the St Lucia controversy.