As much as mining has contributed to developing the South African economy, it has also had negative social, economic and environmental consequences. All of these need to be highlighted, debated, and actions - agreed on by all stakeholders, especially impacted workers and communities, need to be implemented to mitigate the negative consequences of this essential sector. So says John Capel, executive director of the Bench Marks Foundation, who has announced that a conference will take place on 14 October 2013 at Willow View Lodge in Kempton Park to facilitate this debate. [refers to Lonmin]