Examining the extent and after-effects of illegal mining is one thing, but to manage the risk and applying an integrated and multifaceted approach is the aim of the 4th Annual Mine Security Conference, taking place on 25-26 June at Indaba Hotel, Fourways, in Johannesburg.

The loss associated with illegal mining cannot be estimated and interlinked with other criminal activities the effects are far reaching. To remedy the attack on mines, companies in turn are spending billions in countermeasures for additional security and the surveillance of huge areas, to ultimately claim back what is rightfully theirs.  Politics and humanitarian views are also at loggerheads to manage the crisis and solutions seems in the distant future.

“By hosting the annual conference, a platform is created for authorities and stakeholders to collaborate and evaluate united efforts. Long after the conference, the contacts built during the two-days will enable stakeholders to connect at a faster rate and work more effectively against a common enemy,” says event organiser Pinpoint Stewards Co-owner Ankia Roux.

Speakers of the event include an opening address by Lt Gen Seswantsho Godfrey Lebeya, National Head, The Directorate For Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), with other notable speakers and panellist including: Major Gen Ebrahim Ahmed Kadwa, Provincial Head: DPCI Gauteng,  Dr Michael Masiapato, Commissioner, Border Management Authority,  Keynote address by Dr. Mandla Zembe General Manager (Security Executive) Rio Tinto, Richards Bay Minerals; Dr Lyle Pienaar Executive: Risk And Security Pan African Resources; Thys De Beer Group Security And Forensic Investigations Manager: SA Operations Harmony Gold Mining Company Ltd; Dr. Riaan Van Der Westhuizen, Manager Security, Radiation & Communities Palabora Copper; and Hulme Scholes, Director Malan Scholes Inc.

Service providers who have already signed up to share their know-how in supporting mine security efforts include: Bidvest Protea Coin, UAV and Drone Solutions (UDS) - a Bidvest Aviation and Security Cluster, as well as Safer City Group with support from Blue Hawk Tactical. The conference will showcase tech solutions and security enablers during exhibition and demonstrations sessions.

Professor Kris Pillay (PhD) Department of Criminology and Security Science School of Criminal Justice College of Law UNISA, will chair the two-day conference and moderate the panel discussion focussing on supporting a multi-sectoral approach by bringing together state, private sector and all security forces and authorities together to engage. This session will look at ways to devise an action plan through intelligence sharing to root out illegal mining syndicates and disrupt the negative impact it has on SA’s economic and social standing.

A “Mine Security Network SA” group was created by the organisers on LinkedIn as outcomes from previous years. It is a closed group, and participants will be included on request only with linked interests. To register or for a full programme email info@pinpointstewards.co.za or online on www.pinpointstewards.co.za