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About CSMI
Our vision & objectives
The Centre for Sustainability in Mining and Industry (CSMI) is recognised globally as a centre of excellence in Africa for the training and education of managers, practitioners and regulators in sustainable development. The centre concentrates on occupational safety and risk management, occupational health, the bio-physical environment, community investments and stakeholder engagement.
Our objectives
The objectives of the centre are to:
- Be an African-based global leader in education and training in the fields of safety, health, the environment and the community (SHEC)
- Provide recognised and accredited training in these fields for managers, practitioners, regulators and stakeholders in mining and industry
- Provide education leading to recognised academic qualifications for professionals wishing to pursue careers in these SHEC fields, in the private sector, industry, government or non-governmental organisations
- Facilitate co-operation between leading institutions in the delivery of courses relevant to SHEC in industry
- Create an internationally recognised database of SHEC indicators
- Build a resource for practitioners, stakeholders and others in the health, safety, environment and sustainable development fields
- Undertake research in support of the objectives of the centre's objectives which also promote best practice in SHEC
The origins of the CSMI
The establishment of the CMSI arose from the recommendations of the Global Mining Initiative and the Mining, Minerals and Sustainable Development (MMSD) project, both of which stressed the importance of sustainable development in the mining industry. The importance of these issues was reaffirmed at the 2002 World Summit for Sustainable Development (WSSD) held in Johannesburg. As part of their commitment to sustainable development, BHP Billiton, Lonmin and AngloGold Ashanti formed a partnership with the School of Mining Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand, and the Centre was established on 1 April 2004.
A recent survey indicated that 87% of line managers in the South African mining industry had no formal SHEC training. South African tertiary institutions do not adequately serve the needs of industrial SHEC practitioners in South Africa, whereas universities abroad have established a number of safety and safety science management degrees.
Pressure for change
The mining industry, both nationally and internationally, suffers from a poor public image, but it is well-positioned – particularly in Africa – to make a lasting positive impact on the socio-economic development of the continent. Mining has often had a negative impact on the safety, health and welfare of employees and surrounding communities.
These impacts can be minimised or eliminated through knowledge, consultation, planning and commitment. Governments, shareholders, employees, and non-governmental organisations are placing increasing pressure on companies to do more than merely comply with legislation, but to also report transparently on their impacts and mitigating measures. If mining companies are to meet these challenges, the training of company employees and capacity–building in the communities in which mines and beneficiation plants operate are key requirements.
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The SHECbenchmarking database is a joint initiative between the ICMM and the CSMI. The database provides participating companies with a tool for comparing their performance against that of their peers, and for identifying best practice in the industry. Mining companies interested in participating in the project, should contact the CSMI for further details.
Visit the SHECbenchmarking website for more information.
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