The economic, social and political environment of the mining and minerals industries is, as we all know, volatile and affected by constantly changing international forces. In addition, the outcome of negotiations with overseas customers is often uncertain for long periods, or even unfavourable._x000D_
The industries and companies represented at this Conference are in an arena of high competition, risk taking and enormous capital outlay. They are industries which our overseas markets (rightly or wrongly) have criticised for industrial relations problems, unreliable production and uncertain deliveries. They are industries which have an urgent need to be cost effective and competitive at all levels of activity._x000D_
A critical factor in the mining and metallurgy industries is, therefore, its human resources and its human resource management. It requires the full use of available talent, innovation, skills and qualifications within its workforce, and the appropriate management of these resources.