Major stakeholders from government, the private sector and law enforcement will convene to address the growing threat of illegal mining at the 5th Annual Mine Security Conference, taking place on 1–2 July at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways, Johannesburg. The event is hosted by South African-owned company Pinpoint Stewards.
Illegal mining continues to pose a significant threat to South Africa’s mining sector, with experts warning that the problem is “here to stay” without coordinated intervention. With no quick fixes available, this year’s conference aims to bring together key role players to engage on practical strategies to combat criminal syndicates that continue to endanger lives, erode economic stability and weaken investor confidence in the mining sector.
Industry leaders emphasize the need for a unified, whole-of-government and private-sector approach, including stronger prosecution of those who profit from illicit mining activities.
Over two days, industry leaders and security experts will explore a range of critical topics and interventions:
Dr Mandla Zembe, GM: Security Executive at Rio Tinto (Richards Bay Minerals), will address the identification of insider threats within mining operations.
Theo Botoulas, CEO of Neo Energy Metals, will provide an in-depth analysis of the mining risk environment and share strategies to mitigate these risks.
Thys de Beer, Group Security and Forensic Investigations Manager at Harmony Gold Mining Company Ltd, will examine the value of intelligence-led operations and real-time collaboration between mines.
Max Baloyi, Group Head: Protection Services at Foskor, will focus on managing community unrest, while Chandré Klaase of Anglo American Kumba Iron Ore (Sishen Mine) will discuss balancing risk management with compliance to protect people, infrastructure, and resources.
With support from the Border Management Authority (BMA), Deputy Assistant Commissioner Christo Bezuidenhout will engage with industry stakeholders on strengthening border control measures to curb the illicit trade of minerals and improve detection capabilities at entry and exit points.
Tembela Kulu, GM of Group Investigations and Security at Eskom, will address the importance of strengthening public-private partnerships (PPPs) between government, private entities, and security forces to combat deteriorating security conditions affecting mining operations and critical infrastructure.
Legal expert Warren Beech, CEO of Beech Veltman Inc., will provide insights into the legal rights of mining companies to protect their assets, supported by relevant case studies and case law.
The issue of responsibility for ownerless mines and the closure of abandoned shafts will be tackled by Fred Arendse, President of the Junior Mining Council.
A high-level panel discussion will explore a whole-of-government approach to joint prosecutions, featuring Major General Ebrahim Ahmed Kadwa (Provincial Head: Gauteng, Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation), alongside Advocate Willemien Vos (Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, NPA) and Pieter Alberts (Financial Intelligence Centre).
Another panel will focus on intelligence-gathering techniques within the private sector, highlighting how proactive intelligence can identify vulnerabilities before they are exploited. Panellists include Dr Lincoln Cave (Centre for Geopolitical Security and Strategy, North-West University), Joe van der Walt (CEO, Focus Group), Theo Pouroullis (CEO, Safer City Group), and drone specialist Heico Kühn (COO, UDS).
To receive the full conference agenda, contact info@pinpointstewards.co.za or register online at www.pinpointstewards.co.za
Early bird registration is available at a discounted rate of R7,000 per person until 15 April. For exhibition or sponsorship opportunities, contact ankia@pinpointstewards.co.za
