The Mine Metallurgical Managers Association of South Africa, which has in excess of 500 members drawn from gold, platinum, coal, base metal and other metallurgical mining operations, was established relatively recently in 1984.

The main objectives of the Association are to promote the professional interests of the members of the Mine Metallurgical Managers Association by the encouragement of efficient practical application of mineral processing and extractive metallurgy on plants through sound financial and cost management principles along with the development of manpower at all levels within metallurgical operations. The Association has always been committed to the management of safety, loss control and security as applied to metallurgical operations and strives to remain cognisant of environmental concerns pertaining to metallurgical operations and to be proactive in responding to such issues. The Association endeavours to formulate guidelines for the necessary professional standards, uniformity of practice and the discouragement of dishonourable practices within the industry. Encouragement is given to continuing education and research in order to maintain and improve professional standards. Effective liaison with government bodies and organisations within the industry is promoted so as to monitor and if necessary improve legislative measures affecting the industry. Through the above the Association strives to represent the views of the mine metallurgical profession in the Republic of South Africa.

The objectives are met by holding conferences, seminars, workshops and meetings for the purpose of encouraging and promoting full discussion of professional affairs, interests and duties; the reading of papers and the delivery of lectures. Site visits to operations ensure practical illustrations of any innovative and applied technology. The emphasis of the Association remains the practical and not academic elements of Metallurgical Process and Management. Publications of papers, lectures, professional and other records are made available to members of the Association

General and District Meetings of members are held regularly throughout the year. The sharing of information is a major benefit of membership of the Association and problems can be freely discussed and in many cases solved at these forums.

Young metallurgists also derive great benefit from the Association as, apart from enjoying membership as a Student member and participating fully in all meetings, the Association offers two study bursaries per annum to students studying towards a degree or National diploma in Mineral Processing, Extractive Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering (with a mineral processing emphasis) at recognised tertiary institutions within South Africa. Travel grants are also awarded to deserving young metallurgists allowing them to participate in the annual Presidential technical visit. The Association is also intimately involved in the auditing of Technikons to ensure that the standards of learning are maintained and directed towards industry needs.

The President and a 13 member Council, who are elected annually, administer the affairs of the Association, To ensure continuity, a Permanent Secretary oversees the administration of the Association from offices situated within, and provided by, the Chamber of Mines of South Africa.

In the past, present and hopefully well into the future, the Association has enjoyed, and will continue to enjoy, representation on many mining industry forums as well as various government committees relevant to the industry. Thus, the Association continues to make a meaningful contribution towards a productive, healthy and safe working environment in South African mining metallurgical operations and to promote the interests of its membership base.