Analysing the progress of skills development necessary for mineral beneficiation in the gold mining industry: a case study of harmony gold’s Moab khotsong mine

Abstract

The mining industry of South Africa is a cornerstone of the country’s economy, having contributed over 8% to the national gross domestic product in 2022. The mining industry has been responsible for major economic growth and job creation due to its mineral resource abundance. However, the socio-economic impact of this industry on communities has fallen short of expectations. The objective of the South African beneficiation strategy is to transform the country’s mineral wealth into competitive economic advantage through the promotion of economic diversification, industrialization, and job creation. The aim of this research is to determine progress made by the mining sector in skills training and development necessary for local mineral beneficiation, particularly in the gold mining industry. This is training provided through the achievement of formal qualifications such as a National Certificate in Jewellery Manufacturing, a Diploma in Jewellery design and Manufacture, as well as through the accumulation of skills such as jewellery processing, wax carving for jewellery, die stamping for jewellery, industrial design for jewellery, and jewellery evaluation. The reaserch also includes a critical reviews the company’s training initiatives within the context of the beneficiation skills pipeline, the National Skills Development Strategy, and the sector skills plan, which are all key elements of the National Growth Plan and the relevant Sector and Training Authorities. Harmony Gold company has shown commitment to socio-economic objectives through the implementation of numerous beneficiation projects, such as the Musuku Beneficiation Systems, the Harmony Jewellery School, the Oro-Maska Project, and the SARM project. While these initiations did not have long-term success, they indicate the company’s willingness to play a role in promoting skills transfer and in mineral beneficiation. The short-term success of these initiatives also highlights the complexities involved, underlining the need for proper planning, proper resource allocation, as well as the need for constant and consistent stakeholder engagement. A significant finding of this research is the identification of a skills gap, especially in areas crucial for mineral beneficiation. Despite existing efforts and policy frameworks like the Skills Development Act 97 of 1998, the remains a need for more targeted training and skills development programs. The existing skills gap must be addressed to maximize the mining sector’s contribution to national development objectives.