Photo by Chad Stembridge on Unsplash

Roger Baxter, outgoing CEO of Minerals Council South Africa, expressed his intention to remain involved in the mining sector in the future. In an interview with Mining Weekly, he discussed the significant progress achieved by the Minerals Council under his leadership, particularly in terms of safety, diversity, and gender equality. The mining industry has witnessed a remarkable decline in fatalities over the years, and the council now represents a wide range of minerals, with increased representation of women and diverse racial backgrounds.

Baxter emphasized the importance of creating a conducive regulatory environment for the mining sector to compete effectively on a global scale. He highlighted challenges such as security issues, declining logistics, and unreliable electricity supply. Baxter stressed the need for improved crime prevention measures, efficient logistics infrastructure, and a stable power supply to support the industry's growth. Additionally, he called for the establishment of a transparent online cadastral system to streamline regulatory processes and reduce the time required for obtaining mining rights.

When asked about the role of mining in addressing South Africa's unemployment, inequality, and poverty, Baxter acknowledged the country's pressing unemployment crisis. He emphasized that while mining can contribute to job creation, economic growth needs to extend beyond the mining sector. He advocated for collaborative efforts between government, business, and labor to address challenges and unlock growth opportunities across various sectors of the economy.

Baxter expressed optimism regarding public-private partnerships in key areas such as energy, logistics, and security. He recognized the expertise and capacity of the private sector and the willingness of the government to collaborate, which he believed could drive significant improvements. However, he also identified outstanding regulatory approvals and the need for effective local government as obstacles that must be addressed.

As Baxter concluded his tenure, he expressed gratitude for his experience in the industry and his confidence in the capable leadership of the Minerals Council. He highlighted the council's contributions to the economy, including job creation, increased employee earnings, and significant financial contributions to the fiscus. Baxter emphasized the ongoing commitment of the Minerals Council to make mining matter and continue driving positive reforms in the sector.