If there is no substantial change in the mining methods used in South Africa, gold and platinum mining could cease in 2033 and 2029, respectively, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Natural Resources and Environment unit executive director Mavis Ann ‘May’ Hermanus warned on Wednesday. Speaking at the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy’s 2016 MineSafe conference, she said it would be possible to extend the lifespan of the country’s existing mines through the introduction of continuous and mechanised mining methods.
