As mines become deeper, it becomes harder to exploit mineral resources safely and cost-effectively. Safety issues and the ongoing engineering challenges of high stress and deep mining are forcing stakeholders and suppliers to develop new technologies and improved equipment to deal with the industry’s ever-increasing need to exploit deeper mineral resources. In order to address this need, the first MRA Safety in Deep Mining conference, that will take place in Johannesburg from 15-17 July 2008, will focus on the critical safety issues facing the mining industry today.

In order to address these issues, novel approaches – including mining strategies, layouts and support systems – have to be adopted. This must-attend two-day conference will provide all attendees with a variety of take-away solutions. It will demonstrate how new technologies can benefit the industry whilst reviewing the drivers, standards, safety and environmental challenges facing deep and high stress mining. A hands-on pre-conference workshop will evaluate the methodologies and technologies of high stress mining and examine the implementation of mine emergency management systems.

The event will seek to bring together high-level government stakeholders, mine management and operations personnel – including mining analysts, consultants, mine health and safety management specialists, and quality control staff – as well as engineers, equipment suppliers and mining contractors.