Mechanised mining produces indirect jobs, uptake increasing

Despite the popular belief that the proliferation of mechanised mines in the African mining industry will lead to job losses, mechanised mining does generate new employment  opportunities, although indirectly through the maintenance, logistics, spare parts transportation, fuel requirements and other supporting services like training, explains mining equipment and services provider Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology business development manager for Southern Africa Andrew Main. Sandvik is assisting in creating indirect employment opportunities through its manufacturing facility in South Africa where it produces load and haul equipment. The facility was launched in September this year and employs 15 people and there are local indirect supply chain opportunities to this manufacturing facility.