About us

The Association of Mine Managers of South Africa was formed on 31 October 1892 in the offices of the Chamber of Mines. The initial motivation for the formation of such an association was expressed by JT Klimke, the state mining engineer, as the idea source for examiners for a proposed certificate of qualification for Mine Managers. By 13 June 1893 the committee had established its “Articles of Association” and on 26 June 1893 the first president, vice-president and council were elected.

Through the years the Association became a forum for discussion and evaluation of technical ideas, debating various minerals policy issues and most importantly, building and nurturing a camaraderie which is at the core of one of the greatest industries in the world.

Objectives

The objectives of the Association are:

• To promote and uphold the general advancement of the mining industry
• To uphold the status of the mining profession
• To protect the interests of members
• The mutual assistance of members
• To present generally the views of the profession
• To discourage dishonourable conduct or practice
• To provide for the amicable settlement or adjustment of professional disputes
• To consider and deal with all matters affecting the professional interests of members
• To encourage and promote the study of mining

Membership

Membership of the Association is restricted to the following persons:

• Any person who is the holder of a Mine Manager’s Certificate of Competency for metalliferous mining
• Any person who has been legally appointed as a manager of a mine, or is the principal decision maker with respect to operations
• Any person who has obtained a degree in mining engineering, a national diploma in metalliferous mining or a part A of a metalliferous Manager’s Certificate and who is studying for a Mine Manager’s Certificate of Competency

Depending on the responsibilities and functions of the candidate in his/her organisation, different membership grades will apply.

Funding

Funding for the various activities of the Association is derived from membership fees. These fees are determined annually by the council for the different membership grades, for payment by the employer of the member.

Structure

The management of the business and the control of the Association and of all its property and assets shall be vested in the council, with council members elected annually by the Ordinary members of the Association.

Members of the Association participate in the activities of the Association through the attendance of monthly meetings on a regional basis, i.e. the Central, Western, Eastern and Free State districts. These districts are represented on the Council by two or more members per district.

Activities

District meetings are used as a forum for discussing matters of common interest and for presentation of technical papers and discussions by members from mines in the district. Although technical presentations could cover any area of interest on the mines, a huge emphasis on safety and health.

General meetings are held three times per year, with a selection of technical papers being presented to a wider audience, while the Annual General Meeting is used to elect office-bearers of the Council, receive the annual report of the Council and to present the annual statement of the accounts.

Monthly technical visits are hosted by mines, where the focus is specifically on activities which are of interests to Associate and Student members.

Council members and other Ordinary members are actively involved as representatives of the association on various statutory, educational and other relevant organisations, including the Mines Rescue Services, Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA), Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), the Occupational Health and Safety Policy Committee and various examination committees.

Marketing of the Association is pursued through press releases and interaction with tertiary educational institutions.