Post-mining strategy seen as key to economic revival

It is time for South Africa to develop a post-mining economic activities strategy, as the sector's international investment attractiveness is declining.

- Masoka Dube

This is the view of mining expert David van Wyk, who was reacting to the latest annual survey of mining companies from the authoritative Canadian Fraser Institute, stating that out of 82 investable mining jurisdictions, the country is rated at 68.

The attractiveness index is a combination of perceptions of mineral potential, where the region's geology encourages exploration investment and perceptions of mining policy.

The report stated that investors were concerned about the country's political stability, socioeconomic agreements and its geological database.

Be that as it may, Van Wyk believes that the country's mining policies did not cause the decline.

He said the focus should be on developing the post-mining economic activities that would grow the economy.

"We need to repurpose and reengineer the mines for post-mining economic activities," he said.