‘Think long-term’ - Cox tells local business

Despite all the turbulence in the platinum industry, Mogalakwena mine is one of the few producers still in production and the mine will remain a driving force in the local economy for many years to come. This was the message from Mogalakwena Platinum Mine manager, Richard Cox, at last Thursday’s networking meeting arranged by the Mokopane Chamber of Business at Ismail’s Hardwarehouse.
Cox said the mine is spending R75-million per month on contractors and R100-million on stores. “Unfortunately most of this money is leaving town. We need to find a way of retaining it here,” he said.
Cox said the biggest obstacle to
sourcing local product and services is
guaranteed delivery. He explained that the mine cannot afford to buy from a local supplier who cannot supply products or services at desired quality and quantities consistently.
“But we have a vested interest in helping local businesses to grow to the extent that they can meet our needs.”
Cox assured the audience that the mine has a long future in Mokopane. “We have been here for a long time and we’re still going to be here 100 years from now,” he said. “So we have time to establish trust between us and you as business people can afford to take on risk to expand and position your businesses to the extent that it can meet our needs. You can plan long-term, even for when your children one day run your business.”
Cox said the mine will rely heavily on the business chamber for guidance in its commitment to make Mokopane a better place. “Your chamber is 90 years old. It has established a lot of knowledge and experience over all those years. We don’t always know what’s best to do next. We are miners. We chase dirt. But together we will find the answers,” he concluded.
The networking session was a joint effort by the Mokopane Chamber of Business and the Mogalakwena Platinum mine to introduce all contractors who supply services to Mogalakwena Platinum mine as guests off the chamber and its members. This afforded local businesses an opportunity to network with con-
tracting companies of the mine.