In the early 2000s the South African mining industry carried an inescapable risk for its workers. Alack of innovative tools, minimal research and poor organisational cultures meant that miners wentto work without knowing if they’d return home, safely. Over two decades later, the industry can boasta sterling improvement in managing health and safety, a very critical factor in every mining operation.Minerals Council South Africa head of safety and sustainable development DR SIZWE PHAKATHI tellsHLENGIWE MOTAUNG.