IN THE STOPE •

By Leon Louw

Nico Pienaar has been a stalwart for Aspasa and in the quarrying and mining space . We asked him to share some of his thoughts with African Mining .

Nico , can you please give us a short summary of Aspasa with a specific focus on how it has changed from being an association focusing on quarries and aggregate materials to now incorporating mineral mining as well – please also indicate which other mining sectors are now represented by Aspasa .

When Aspasa was started some 30 years ago , it was a combination of smaller groups in provinces . All of these were put together into one national body , which was then called the Aggregate Sand Producers Association of South Africa ( Aspasa ).

Over the years , the brand name Aspasa became strong . When considering the change in Aspasa , it was made clear that the acronym should remain , but what can be dropped are the words “ Aggregate and Sand Producers ”. It became clear that small mines not necessarily operating in the sand and aggregate sectors had a need to make use of Aspasa ’ s services .

This got Aspasa thinking that the organisation could expand its service into other minerals mined in South Africa . However , sand and aggregate would remain our foundation . Sand and aggregates are the most mined minerals in the world . No infrastructure can be built or developed without these basic materials . However , Aspasa decided to add , amongst others , sand , dimension stone and silica .

Big Mines Medium Mines

Small Mines Micro Mines

Does Aspasa have enough say at the Mineral Council of South Africa , and how does it collaborate with other bodies and association representing junior mining companies and smallscale miners at the Council ?

Aspasa is on the Board of the Minerals Council and has been on the Board for 22 years . The directors were asked to also represent smaller associations like the Clay Brick Association and the South African Diamond Producers Body . This sub-committee at the Minerals Council has been established under the name of “ Associations Leadership Forum ”. There are industry players and even unions that are of the view that Aspasa needs to move away , out of the Minerals Council to play its own game as

Nico Pienaar , director of Aspasa . the Aspasa brand is very strong and viewed as a strong service provider . Whereas the Minerals Council plays a higher-level role , Aspasa provides a more practical and hands-on service , which helps the smaller operations . It is therefore clear that at both levels there are benefits to the industry .

What in your view are the biggest challenges facing small scale mining companies in South Africa today ?

The smaller scale mining industry has many challenges . Although it is always assumed that Illegal mining means the theft of precious metals like gold , diamonds , and platinum . This assumption is regrettably not correct as the minerals that Aspasa represents are very hard hit . Aggregate , gravel , sand , clay , and diamonds are seriously affected . The problem is that the regulator does not apply its mind to this problem . Aspasa has pushed this issue to a wide group , but no responses have been seen .

Skills development and the Mining Qualification Authority ( MQA ) system is not working for small operations . There are very few service providers that are hands-on practical , relevant , or effective . Some service providers are unethical and just want to collect funds but ensure that those trained are fully competent .

It seems anybody who applies for a mining licence , often get given them . Often there is an operation and legal quarry in the area , but then some unknown person or group applies and

Aspasa