Surface mining industry association, ASPASA, has voiced its concerns at the lack of industry buy-in to fight the scourge of crime at operations.
ASPASA says it has been disappointed by the lack of support for the stellar work being done by mining industry organisations in collaboration with the National Intelligence Coordinating Committee (NICOC) to identify and stamp out crime.
While formal letters were circulated to mines and quarries, only two responses were received from surface miners, even despite the industry being hard hit by crime in recent time.
“We receive almost daily reports of crimes being committed, yet when we ask the industry for information to prevent these crimes, we get an apathetical response.
“Too often in our society we become indifferent, and it is only until we are directly affected that we start to respond. The idea behind the NICOC initiative is to build up information and intelligence to proactively prevent crime and nab the masterminds that seem to operate with impunity behind the scenes.
“We are all busy with our daily jobs and understand that there is not always time to fully participate in these types of programmes. Yet, in these instances we feel it is important to take five or ten minutes and do your bit for the industry.”
This kind of indifference underlines the importance of industry associations like ASPASA that work tirelessly behind the scenes to pave the way for the industry’s success. In addition to NICOC the association works closely with various government departments, police and legislators to push back against crime. It also has an anti-crime committee which works tirelessly among members to find solutions to end the scourge.
