One of the main driving forces of growth in our country is mining. This industry has proven to be resilient against recessions, and still maintain growth and provide job opportunities and skills development for its employees. Mining is used to mine natural resources such as gold and coal which cannot be created artificially in laboratories. Titanium, diamonds, minerals and many other minerals are a result of this industry. It is due to specialized planning and the use of expensive machinery that we are able to mine these minerals. The most important part is to decide where to mine as the potential area needs to grant access to the intended mineral in an easy, quick and economical manner. Even with advancements in technology, it is still rated as one of the most hazardous industries due to the large number of accidents. Safety of the workforce enjoys top most priority and many resources are spent annually on creating safer work environments for workers. Mozambique is a country rich in many different minerals and natural resources such as coal. Coal, being a major electricity producer is a valued resource. From as early as the 12th century, gold has been mined on the western border of Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Mozambique is also one of the largest sources of Titanium bearing countries in the world. In Northern Mozambique a rare blue-grey transition metal called Tantalum is to be found. Coal, being a fossil fuel is the largest energy producing mineral. It is a mixture of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen together with sulphur and nitrogen. Its mining can have a negative impact on the environment, but due to its high demand it is considered to be one of the most profitable areas of mining in South Africa. It is a huge industry in South Africa as South Africa has 11% of the world’s coal reserves, and is responsible for 6% of the global production. 80% of South Africa’s primary energy needs are met by coal. Geologists, mining engineers and coal technologists and geo technologists all play a very important part in finding coal reserves in various locations through extensive planning and research. The health and safety of mine employees is constantly monitored by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) which covers employment, production, injuries, illnesses and accidents. The monitoring of these factors is needed for evaluating the existing procedures that are in place in order to keep effective measures in place. Chemicals that are used in the mining process can cause pollution to the environment, people and animals. Chemicals such as cyanide, mercury and methyl mercury which are used to merge the metals and minerals are released into the ocean, rivers and streams. These polluted waters can be the cause of serious health hazards to people as well as aquatic organisms. That is why it is essential that the mining industry have to follow strict safety measures and guidelines to reduce the negative effects on the environment and its people.
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Mining, one of the main industries in South Africa has proven to be a resilient industry.It has been proven that countries with healthy mining industries is more resistant to worldwide recessions, as they still provide huge profits and create many job opportunities while providing many areas in skills development.
Cameron Diesel is the owner of http://www.industryza.co.za, a website devoted to providing companies in the mining and other industrial industries with a platform for advertising their businesses in a virtual showroom.
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