This risk mitigation initiative was introduced to prominent members of the risk management industry on 21 February. According to Prof Ronny Webber-Youngman, Head of the Department of Mining Engineering, the Course for Managers in Risk Management (c-MiRM) was developed to provide a solid foundation for the sustainable decrease of casualty rates in South African mines – both above and below ground – towards zero. “The main aim of the programme is to ensure that individuals are well equipped for the inevitable technological developments and behavioral changes that it would require in the near future,” he said. 

Speaking at the launch, Albert van der Vyver, course leader and presenter, provided insights on how the programme will focus on a structured approach with well-defined guidelines and strategies to establish and maintain a multi-dimensional risk management framework. It will also enhance the ability of managers, who create and protect value within the company by managing risks, to make decisions, set and achieve objectives and improve performance by exploiting opportunities and applying risk response methods.

Leigh McMaster, Specialist: Behavior and Change at the Minerals Council South Africa, presented the welcome address at the event, emphasising how programmes such as these can add value to the mining industry’s drive towards zero harm. “Eliminating fatalities on our mines is a main objective for all practitioners, and this programme will provide delegates with the necessary skills and know-how to achieve this objective,” he said.

The c-MiRM is aligned with internationally benchmarked risk management standards, and comprises seven modules with interactive assignments. It can be taken as a series of short courses over one, three or four days, as a two-day refresher course, or as a longer Fundamentals Programme (12 contact sessions over 10 months) or an Advanced Programme (17 contact sessions over six months). 

The course presenter, Albert van der Vyver, is an experienced risk management consultant with a wealth of experience in the mining sector. He is internationally recognised for his expertise in safety, health and environmental risk management and assessment.

For more information on any of these courses, contact Mpolokeng Rammutloa at 012 434 2607 or via email at [email protected].

The University of Pretoria’s new Course for Managers in Risk Management (c-MiRM) is aligned with internationally benchmarked risk management standards. Course leader, Albert van der Vyver, an experienced risk management consultant with a wealth of experience in the mining sector, presented insights and the benefits of the course content at the launch of the programme at Enterprises University of Pretoria on 21 February.