To celebrate achievements and reflect on the industry’s performance, the Northern Cape Mine Managers Association (NCMMA) organised its prestigious annual gala dinner in Kimberley.

Organised by Kumba Iron Ore, the event recognised exceptional contributions and reinforced the sector’s commitment to safety and sustainability.

Welcoming industry professionals from more than 30 regional mining companies, the event also hosted various stakeholders including labor unions, business representatives and Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) officials.

Highlighting the industry’s contribution to the development of the country, Mpumi Zikalala, Kumba Iron Ores’s CEO, delivered a keynote address, applauding the accomplishments of various NCMMA workstreams and the importance of cultivating a strong safety culture.

“Mining continues to play a critical role in South Africa. In 2024, mining contributed 23% to the Northern Cape’s GDP and 6% nationally. The Northern Cape, rich in iron ore, manganese, diamonds, copper, and zinc, remains pivotal to economic growth.”

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Echoing similar sentiments, the principal inspector of Mines for the Northern Cape, Tumelo Mateta, reinforced the importance of tripartism and empowering employees to stop unsafe work.

Awards recognising individual and operational achievements relating to safety performance and leadership were presented.

The following safetey performance awards were honored:

Underground mines

first place: Kalagadi Manganese; second: Finsch Diamond Mine; and third: Assmang Black Rock Mine.

Opencast mines (>500 employees)

First: Mokala Manganese Mine; second: Sishen Iron Ore Mine; and third: Assmang Beeshoek Mine.

Opencast mines (<500 employees)

first: Afrimat Jenkins Mine; second: Afrimat Driehoekspan Mine; and third: Afrimat Demaneng Mine.

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