MINUTES OF THE MONTHLY CHAMBER MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY
22 MAY 2003 AT 17H30 IN THE ESKOM BOARDROOM

Present

Ms Isabel Weiersbye, Wits; T Ntsizi, President; Emél Brown, AVA; E Brand, ABSA Besigheid; A Buys, Technikon; E Algera, Your City; K le Roux, Anglogold; F van Wyk, S Botha & R Groesbeek, Chamber; C Minnaar, Independent Minds; M Uys, Postnet; F van Niekerk, Cectronic Security; A Booth, Westmac; E Phillips, College Board; Dudley & Janette Turner, Zodiac; Glaudina Meyer, Incredible Connection; I C Koloane, SAPS; B Mosala, Kopano Bricks; Gerard Naus, SBDC; D C Cronjé, SAPS; T I Tshabalala, Smedi; R van Jaarsveld, Klerksdorp Record; and M Selebalo

Apologies

R A Brady, Meatforce; M Dreyer & J Kruger, NW School of Design; R Holmwood, ARM; C Hyman, Old Mutual

WELCOME / APOLOGIES

Chairman welcomed all present and extended a special welcome to our guests and the new members. He introduced Isabel Weiersbye & Malcolm of Wits and Johnny Page of AngloGold Environmental.

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MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES 24 APRIL 2003

This will stand over to the following meeting on 19 June.

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PRESENTATIONS

• Ms Isabel Weiersbye
  WOODLANDS PROJECT: REHABILITATION OF THE GOLDFIELDS USING TREES TO CONTAIN POLLUTION AND FOSTER SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
  
  The environmental `footprint’ of gold mining activities in the Witwatersrand Basin far exceeds the boundaries of the waste deposits (`slimes dams’ and rock dumps), with dust, salinity and acidic mine drainage impacting severely on the surrounding environment. The establishment of tolerant, mostly indigenous, trees on and around slimes dams is being considered as a pollution containment measure. We describe an experimental gold mine closure plan that is using indigenous woodlands and potentially exotic plantations to encapsulate slimes dams and contain pollution (`the Mine Woodlands Project’). The Mine Woodlands Project is incorporating approved woodlands and the associated industries into the mining environment on three gold mines near Carletonville, Klerksdorp and Welkom. Between 2002 and 2007, up to 10 000 ha of woodlands are being established on the tops of slimes dams, and on polluted seepages around slimes dams. These woodlands are being assessed for their ability to prevent seepage of polluted water from slimes dams, and to de-contaminate polluted soils and ground water.
  
  A major focus of the project is to provide economic opportunities from forestry in the regions post-mining. If the woodlands are successful in containing polluted water, then up to 60 000 ha of woodlands (predominantly indigenous) could be established on the goldfields between 2008 and 2025. As mining operations, and the generation of polluted water, ceases, it is envisaged that the area of these woodlands would shrink to between 20 000 ha and 30 000 ha, with the tops of slimes dams being used in perpetuity for tree production. Products from woodlands would include poles, timber, charcoal, fibres and chemicals (tannins and pharmaceuticals). The beneficiation from the woodlands will be centred on the goldfields, with local industries being fostered to produce tree seedlings, as well as plant, manage, harvest and process the tree products. Indigenous woodlands on mining waste are an attractive land-use option, and potentially have high environmental and economic gains for the goldfields post-mining.
  
  Those interested in obtaining information may contact the chamber office for contact details of Isabel Weiersbye.

• Inspector Itumeleng Koalane, Sector Policing
  Crime Statistics
  
  Insp. Koalane explained that the sector policing forums were established to ensure better management. He urged members to become involved with their Ward representatives as well as the sector manager. Information on the various sectors can be obtained from the Chamber office. He gave a breakdown of crime statistics in certain areas.
  
  Members were invited to attend the Community Policing Forum meetings every last Thursday of each month at 18h00 in the Library hall.

• Elsa Phillips brought the children from Tiang Public School to give a recital on their recorders to demonstrate the progress they made after receiving music training. She thanked the business people who sponsored the instruments and training.

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FEEDBACK

This will stand over to the following meeting on 19 June.

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GENERAL

The president requested that Portfolio Managers forward a short report to the office of their feedback at least 5 working days prior the next meeting.

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The president concluded the meeting at 19h10, and the next meeting is on 19 June 2003.