About MD 360°

Key Milestones

  • MD360°’s Inaugural Dialogue
    July 2012

    Industry leaders from mining houses, labour, government, civil society and the investment community dialogue over 3 days on the burning issues facing the sector. The meeting outcomes predict a major industry disaster, the Marikana tragedy happens less than a month later in mid-August. 

  • Faith and Civil Society Organisations Dialogue
    October 2012

    Dialogue to the deepening crisis on the platinum belt developed a 5-point strategy for Kgosi Leruo and platinum CEO’s to begin identifying solutions and discuss mitigating actions.

  • Platinum Belt research
    November 2012

    Deep dive study into the economic and social impacts of Lonmin's North West operations and surrounding communities in an attempt to understand the factors that led to the Marikana tragedy. 

  • Platinum Belt study
    August 2013

    Completed an extensive research report titled: ‘The Economic and Social Footprint of the South African Mining Industry: The PGM Sector – Lonmin Plc 2013’. Lonmin does not allow it to be released publicly - now available in the Resource Library.

  • The Platinum Compacts: Study Recommendations
    September 2013

    Following the deep-dive study into the social and economic footprint of Lonmin, MD360°’s research team independently drafts recommendations proposing actionable interventions to lower the temperature and find entry points for collaboration.

  • The Farlam Commission (Marikana)
    February 2014

    The Platinum Belt research, especially the extensive community consultations, is referenced in Judge Farlam’s findings. 

  • Platinum Sector Multi-stakeholder Dialogue
    July 2015

    Sharing experiences and reflecting on learnings from the 5-month strike to identify implementable preventative and remedial actions.  

  • IGF - Platinum Belt community consultations
    September 2015

    Invited to Geneva by the UN Intergovernmental Forum for Mining, Metals and Sustainability to present findings from community research on the Platinum Belt. 

  • SETI Project Concept Launch and Dialogue
    February 2016

    Special Information Session at Mining Indaba sponsored by the IGF and Global Affairs Canada to introduce the Socio-Economic Technology Initiative (SETI) and opportunities that new technologies offer to improve development frameworks.

  • SETI Project
    December 2017

    Proof of concept (Phase1) and feasibility study (Phase2) successfully completed. 

  • Dialogue on the Draft Mining Charter
    July 2018

    Convened a multi-stakeholder session to debate issues and capture views that individuales from various organisations felt compelled to express but could not be shared publicly - meeting report submitted to the DMR ahead of the closure deadline for comments. 

  • IGF - New Tech, New Deal
    September 2018

    Chaired panel on the impacts of new technologies on the mining sector at the UN hosted AGM of the Intergovernmental Forum for Mining, Metals and Sustainability.

  • Dialogue on Mining Charter III
    November 2018

    Review and dissect what was included/excluded in the gazetted charter and identify on-going, consequential problems and unintended new challenges. 

  • Mine Closure and Rehabilitation Colloquiums
    November 2018

    In partnership with WWF-SA convened multi-stakeholder dialogues on mine closure and rehabilitation with a focus on NEMA and contingent legislative issues.

  • Mapping ASM Ecosystems: South Africa
    June 2019

    Diagnostic study for the Canadian International Resources and Development Institute (CIRDI) on legislation and policy gaps, including 5 commodity case studies. 

  • MD360 Food Security Study impacts during Covid-19
    June 2019

    Study on food security fragility in a mining-dependent town in the Northern Cape (Postmasburg)

  • IGF Report: Women and the Mine of the Future - South Africa baseline study
    September 2021

    In parnership with the ILO, IWiM and UNDP-EGP condudcted Phase 1 baseline study on gender dimensions and equity in the South Africa mining sector 

  • Impact Assessment of Local Procurement Initiative
    July 2022

    Conducted an assessment of a major mining company's local procurement programme on surrounding mine-host communities and businesses

  • IGF Report: Women and the Mine of the Future - Zambia study
    August 2023

    In partnership with the ILO, IWiM nad UNDP-EGP conducted Phase 1 Baseline study of gender dimensions and equity in the Zambian mining sector

Our Journey

The inaugural dialogue convened in July 2012 was in response to an industry-wide call for a deeper discussion on a study commissioned by the Southern Africa Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM), The Rise of Resource Nationalism, and the growing need for an independently facilitated debate about nationalisation of the South African mining sector. The three day event drew high-level participants from all constituencies, was oversubscribed and praised for its highly participatory format and robust debate. The outcomes report predicted a major industry disaster was likely and less than a month later the Marikana tragedy unfolded in mid-August.

The deep need for dialogue became more evident in the months that followed. A leadership vacuum left people on all sides struggling to make sense of the situation and the larger mining landscape that had led to it taking place. MD360⁰ was called upon to deploy its successful format for multi-stakeholder consultation to convene further smaller group dialogues to assist with making some headway in resolving the impasse. Since then, the organisation has evolved from being a convenor and facilitator to becoming a respected contributor to the knowledge base informing development thinking in the mining sector.

Today MD360⁰ participates in and leads research on topics as diverse the social and economic footprint of a major mining company to a diagnostic study of artisanal and small-scale mining. Our methodology for community consultation is being more widely recognised for its respectful approach and insightful outcomes. There is an overwhelming need for access to information and the consistent call for a common evidence-base that all parties can trust, has in recent years led us to interrogate how the advancements in computing technologies could play a role. This has led to the development of the Socio-Economic Technology Initiative (SETI), which is primarily focused on combining qualitative and quantitative data to develop a common evidence base accessible to all stakeholders.

The Timeline alongside highlights key activities /contributions of the organisation.
MD360⁰ is led by the Executive Director and a core team of professional experts who drive the research, data analytics, dialogue and community consultation work. We use an agile model that allows for resources to be brought on board as the need arises. This operational structure provides flexibility to assemble research teams that fit specific project requirements with the benefit of not maintaining a large organizational overhead.

The Advisory Council includes non-executive directors and is made up of respected individuals and influential leaders who offer cross-sectoral expertise and a diversity of views. The council is chaired by an annually elected member and provides guidance on activities, strategic direction and is responsible for ensuring governance oversight. Previous council members and facilitators form our Brains Trust and continue to support the organisation, remaining available to lend specialized skills and advice when called upon.

In addition, MD360⁰ actively cultivates a wider institutional support network that offers access to expertise from academic institutions, non-governmental and civil society organisations, faith-based organisations, business and industry bodies, local and provincial government, national government departments and parastatal organisations as well as international institutes and multilateral institutions.

The organisation is funded by research grants, corporate contributions, donations and sponsorships. MD360⁰ is a Not for Profit Company (NPC Reg. 2012/134421/08) and a registered Public Benefit Organisation (PBO Ref. 930051944) with Section 18A status with the South African Revenue Service.

Core Team

Tracey
Cooper

Executive Director of Mining Dialogues 360°
Core Team
Founding member and CEO with an entrepreneurial background, leads a collective of experts who produce empirical, evidence-based research that provides the basis for frank and robust dialogue on socio-economic issues arising from the extractive industry. Previously consulted in communications and outreach working with organisations such as UNDP, UNEP, Gates Foundation, IRENA, and others  

David
Perkins

Development Economist
Core Team
Extensive knowledge of the Southern and East African mining and resource sectors working in more than 15 African countries for a number of multilateral and bilateral agencies, development finance institutions and major mining companies. Especially interested in the economic impact of mining through the full range of linkages in mine-host, national and regional economies

Patricia
Scaife

Analyst and Programme Co-ordinator
Core Team
Business and Systems Analyst with 20 years of experience spanning Logistics, IT, Operations and Finance. Experience working in the UK, North America, the Caribbean, South Africa, India and the Middle East. Currently living in Dominica and studying a Masters in Sustainable Development.  

Dr Gavin
Andersson

Social Development and Organisation Specialist
Core Team
Internationally recognised leading exponent of the Moraisean Organization Workshop (OW), adapted this methodology so that it now enables communities to tackle social and environmental issues alongside economic problems and introduced the concept of Unbounded Organization to the field of organizational studies, (www.unboundedorganization.org).  

Advisory Council

Themba
Mkhwanazi

MD360° Chair and CEO, Kumba Iron Ore
Advisory Council
Before joining Kumba held the position of CEO of Anglo American’s coal business in South Africa and previously Rio Tinto’s regional general manager for America. A chemical engineer by training and has held a number of senior roles within the resources industry  

Pali
Lehohla

Consultant to Oxford Poverty & Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and Former Statistician-General of South Africa
Advisory Council
Experienced Research Advisor and Practitioner with a demonstrated history of working in the information services industry with a special passion for statistical evidence as a driver of peace in the in-conflict and post-conflict territories  

Saleh
Mayet

Finance and Former CFO, Anglo American Group SA
Advisory Council
After a distinguished career of 30 years as a financial professional, recently retired from Anglo American March 2019. Previously served as a non-executive director at Exxaro Resources Limited and Distribution and Warehouse Network Limited. Appointed as a non-executive director of Motus Holdings Limited and chair of its audit committee and a non-executive director of Astral Foods Limited  

Tebello
Chabana

Senior Executive: Public Affairs & Transformation, Minerals Council South Africa and Director at MD360°
Advisory Council
Began his legal career at Deneys Reitz Attorneys, then joined Anglo American SA as a Legal Advisor and served in a range of positions, ending as Head of Public Affairs SA. Tebello also spent time at Kumba Iron Ore as Executive Head of Public Affairs  

Prof Frederick
Cawood

Director: Wits Mining Institute (WMI), University of Witwatersrand and former Head of the School of Mining Engineering at Wits.
Advisory Council
Leads the multi-disciplinary WMI research programme supporting postgraduate researchers doing full time research with the objective to make mines safer, more productive and to reduce risk. Passionate about education, student development, research and assisting (African) states to develop law and policy instruments for national benefit  

Peter
Leon

Partner Africa Group, Herbert Smith Freehills
Advisory Council
Internationally respected legal expert specialising in Natural Resources law (mining, oil and gas), regulation of natural resources, international best practice mineral regulation in developing countries, international investment law, black economic empowerment and indigenisation law 

Jean
Chawapiwa

MD Win Win Solutions4Africa and Country Director: WEConnect International, South Africa
Advisory Council
Extensive experience in external affairs, communication and media in the mining sector, one of few women who have reached the top in the South African mining industry serving at the most senior levels of three global mining companies. Now focused on business development of women and youth entrepreneurship in Africa 

Bishop Paul
Verryn

Central District, Methodist Church of Southern Africa
Advisory Council
An ordained minister and controversial figure in the Church and society who played a significant role in the anti-Apartheid movement and continues to actively engage in support for vulnerable communities and crisis mediation 

Nchakha
Moloi

Founder and Executive Chair: Motjoli Resources and Director at MD360°
Advisory Council
A geologist with extensive experience in minerals and energy policy research. Following employment as a business analyst at the Industrial Development Corporation, joined the Department of Minerals and Resources where he played a central role in the development of South African mining sector reforms 

Dr Rodney
Jones

Engineer at Mintek and Past President of SAIMM
Advisory Council
A chemical engineer in the Pyrometallurgy Division at Mintek, an Honorary Adjunct Professor at the University of the Witwatersrand with several degrees and rated by the National Research Foundation in 2009 and 2015 as an 'Internationally Acclaimed Researcher' 

Louise
Du Plessis

Attorney, Lawyers for Human Rights
Advisory Council
Heads the Land and Housing Programme and has extensive experience working with restitution communities in South Africa. Passionate about constitutional and property law related matters. Litigated in numerous ground breaking cases using the constitution to develop law relating to land reform, communal land, evictions, mining and gender 

Dr Tara
Polzer-Ngwato

Research Director, Social Surveys Africa
Advisory Council
Designs and conducts innovative social research using project-appropriate methodologies (qualitative, quantitative, participatory, multi-media) and data analysis (advanced statistics, thematic qualitative analysis)  

Brains Trust

Mark
Halle

Former Executive Director, International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) Europe
Brains Trust

Jay
Naidoo

Political and social activist, Trustee of Earthrise Trust
Brains Trust

Saliem
Fakir

Head: Policy and Futures Unit, World Wildlife Fund South Africa
Brains Trust

Simon
Zadek

Co-Director, UNEP Inquiry into the Design of a Sustainable Finance System
Brains Trust

Koffi
Kouakou

Futurist and Africa Analyst, Stratnum Futures
Brains Trust

Luke
Danielson

President, Sustainable Development Strategies Group (SDSG)
Brains Trust

Frans
Baleni

Independent Advisor: Labour Relations and F11 Management Consulting
Brains Trust

Peter
Major

Director: Mining, Mergence Corporate Solutions
Brains Trust

Rev Basil
Manning

President, United Congregational Church of Southern Africa
Brains Trust

Dr Susan
Cook

Cultural Initiatives, Harvard University
Brains Trust

Dr Gordon
Smith

Executive Head: Technical, Safety and Sustainability Anglo American Platinum
Brains Trust