Emeritus Reinsurance, a leading player in the reinsurance sector, recently hosted a comprehensive mining insurance training workshop in Jwaneng. The event attracted insurance professionals, including underwriters and brokers, from various local and regional countries such as Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, and Lesotho.
The workshop, a brainchild of the Emeritus Reinsurance group, which operates in five countries in the Southern African region, aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of operational risks and insurance underwriting for underground and open-pit mines.
Facilitated by the experienced engineer Cassim Hansa, who brings close to thirty-four years of reinsurance/insurance underwriting and claims handling experience, the training delved into various aspects of the mining industry. Hansa’s vast expertise includes working for MunichRe in South Africa and its American subsidiary in the USA, where he led American Re’s Property-Engineering Insurance unit.
During the training session, facilitator Cassim Hansa employed a dynamic approach, incorporating practical exercises and theoretical discussions. The focus included operational risks, insurance underwriting for underground and open-pit mines, coverage for mining plant risks, and strategies for handling business interruptions.
By integrating local and regional case studies, Hansa provided valuable insights, advising participants on effective approaches. This combination of theory and practical application deepened understanding and equipped attendees with real-world skills, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among industry professionals from different countries.
The Emeritus Reinsurance Mining Insurance Training successfully bridged theory and practice, enhancing participants’ readiness for challenges in the dynamic mining insurance sector. Patience Marwiro, the Managing Director of Emeritus International Reinsurance in Botswana, emphasized the strategic importance of the training in equipping industry players with the necessary knowledge. “Botswana is a mining-based country, and hosting this workshop in Jwaneng, home to the world’s largest diamond mines, provides a unique opportunity for participants to gain insights into the intricacies of the mining industry,” said Marwiro.
Marwiro mentioned that the training aimed to keep insurance industry professionals abreast of the latest trends and strategic approaches. “This workshop is part of our ongoing upskilling programs, ensuring that our industry players have the expertise needed to navigate the complexities of the insurance landscape. The workshop has been accredited by the Insurance Institute of South Africa (IISA) as a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activity. All participating IISA members will accrue 13 CPD points ” she stated.
As part of the training, participants had the opportunity to tour the iconic Jwaneng Mine, which is the world’s largest diamond mine. The tour gave participants firsthand experience and a deeper understanding of the mining industry. Marwiro highlighted the significance of such experiential learning: “The site visit complements the theoretical knowledge gained in the training, providing a holistic perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the mining sector.”
The Emeritus Reinsurance Mining Insurance Training underscored the group’s commitment to fostering industry expertise and collaboration. With participants from various countries, the event served as a platform for networking and knowledge exchange among regional insurance professionals. As the insurance landscape evolves, initiatives like these contribute to developing a skilled and resilient workforce in the mining insurance sector.
Emeritus Reinsurance plans to offer similar training in countries where the group operates on a rotational basis. This is part of the group’s commitment to all jurisdictions where it operates.
