Major African mining conference kicks off in SA

Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) - South Africa’s battered multi-billion-dollar mining industry will be in the global eye with the start of the 'Investing in African Mining Conference 'in Cape Town on Monday.

The conference is the world’s largest mining investment event which, over the past 19 years, has channeled billions of dollars of foreign investment into the mining value chain.

South Africa's Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu, who will welcome delegates on Tuesday, will attempt to highlight South Africa’s image as a safe and viable destination for mining investment.

However, this is in contrast to the violent protest between police and striking miners at Marikana which left 46 people dead last year.

The unrest played a key role in South Africa’s credit ratings being downgraded for the first time in many years.

Keynote speakers at this year’s event include Anglo American Chief Executive Officer Mark Cutifani and Gold Fields chairperson Mamphela Ramphele.
-0- PANA CU/SEG 4Feb2012