Mining is currently dominating the inflow of investments into Limpopo, according to statistics supplied by Trade and Investment Limpopo (TIL). During the recent Investor Conference in Polokwane, several foreign companies showed interest in capitalising on this favourable economic climate for the mining industry.

At the event, the Limpopo government again committed itself to skills training in the mining industry, in order to keep up with the demands of this rapidly growing sector in the province.

"We will be addressing this challenge, in association with learning institutions and the private sector," Finance MEC Thaba Mufamadi told a media briefing. He pointed out that the mining industry was also generating an increasing amount of other economic activity. This was also true of tourism and agriculture. During the summit, Minerals and Energy Minister Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka told delegates, "If there is going to be another mining revolution in the country, it will be in Limpopo."

Foreign investor Kumba Resources demonstrated its confidence in the province's economy by signing a significant memorandum of agreement with Trade and Investment Limpopo (TIL) at the end of the conference. In terms of the document, this company will invest R10 billion in the further development of coal mining in the Waterberg district of the province. TIL says platinum, chrome, copper and diamond mining offer further possibilities to foreign investors.

"We have given investors firm assurances that they will receive firm support at all levels, to ensure the success of their projects," TIL Chief Executive Joe Mathebula commented.