Lack of long-term strategic leadership to blame for mining job losses in Africa

A lack of long-term strategic leadership is to blame for the rising number of job losses in the mining industry, according to the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nafcoc).

In a statement released on Monday, Nafcoc chief economist Landiwe Mahlangu said that job losses could be blamed on fluctuating commodity prices, investors and other stakeholders are being influenced by a lack of long term vision on the part of industry leaders.

The challenges faced by the mining industry call for a more holistic approach which will deliver sustainable solutions and a lasting effect,” Mahlangu said.

“As Nafcoc we believe that mineral beneficiation and other value adding downstream processing must be accelerated and expanded.”

Mahlangu also called for a more careful approach in tackling the problems affecting job losses to examine why some mines are closing while others are prospering.

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