KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
Sector
Mining & Metals
Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN), in partnership with the Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) and the Department of Economic Development (DED), hosted a high level mining dinner in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal on 7 August 2008 at the Hilton Hotel in Durban.
The purpose of the dinner was to create a platform whereby mining players could come together to share expertise and projects, discuss challenges and offer solutions as experienced in the mining sector. Such a forum is important to give business and government the chance to interact, towards the shared goal of taking the sector forward.
Trade and Investment KZN have been mandated by Dr Zweli Mkhize, MEC for Finance and Economic Development, to explore ways and means that could be utilised to revive the mining industry in KwaZulu-Natal.
KwaZulu-Natal has an abundance of untapped resources to stimulate the economies of the northern part of the province. 'Mining in smaller towns of the province will be a major source of job creation and will serve as a catalyst for economic growth and development in these areas,' says Zamo Gwala, CEO of Trade and Investment KZN.
A number of major mining companies from abroad have already visited and discussed possible opportunities in the KZN mining sector. On a recent mission to India, Trade & Investment KZN found that over 60% of the enquiries generated were mining related, with a significant number looking at exploration projects that they could partner in.
Guest speakers at the Trade & Investment KZN / DME mining dinner included Robert Needham: MD, Prodigy Consultants; Sakhile Ngcobo: Head of Public and Corporate Affairs, De Beers; Inderason Naidoo: Senior Manager, Mining Sector Business Unit, Industrial Development Corporation; and Faith Nzimande: Regional Manager, Department of Minerals and Energy.
For more information contact Perusha Naicker, Communications Officer: Trade and Investment KZN, on +27 31 368 9600 or email perusha@tikzn.co.za.
