This improvement is largely attributed to enhanced skills development, with employees trained to identify hazards, respond effectively to risks, and work safely.

The newly appointed director of the Wits Mining Institute (WMI), Dr Pontsho Twala, says the institute’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) training programme, initially developed to strengthen internal health and safety capabilities, is now being extended to the broader sector. The aim is to build the capacity of OHS practitioners across South Africa’s mining industry.

“Since 2023, we rolled out the programme exclusively to Sibanye-Stillwater operations,” says Dr Twala. “The success of the programme in the last three years has led to us opening it up to the wider mining industry.”

The programme is underpinned by evidence-based research to ensure practical relevance to the mining sector’s operational and safety challenges. It now offers two structured pathways: a foundational course comprising three modules, and an advanced certificate in OHS practice.

The foundational course provides a baseline understanding of the mining environment, legislation, and risk management, while the advanced certificate develops higher-order analytical capabilities over a five- to six-month period.

“What distinguishes the WMI’s training approach is its deliberate integration of theory, practice and systems thinking,” explains Dr Twala. “The programme content explicitly links OHS to the mineral value chain, ESG considerations and operational decision-making. This ensures that safety is not treated as a function within a silo, but as part of a broader production system.”

Beyond its training courses, WMI will also host stakeholder dialogues under the theme “Beyond the Fence: How Community Environments Shape Health and Safety Performance in Mining,” with the first session scheduled for May 27, 2026.

“We get beyond the theory by inviting practitioners who understand the environment and the challenges,” says Dr Twala. “Participants do not just listen; they engage, exchange experiences and discuss what is working on the ground and what is not.”

The post Wits Mining Institute (WMI) Expands its OHS Programme to Prioritise Safety in Mining Operations appeared first on Mining Business Africa.

The dialogue, which forms part of the WMI’s South African Mining Extraction Research, Development and Innovation (SAMERDI) research centre’s curriculum, aimed to build capacity in digital intellectual capital within the South African minerals sector.

Attended by 44 representatives from various sectors in the mining industry, the event also focused on exploring solutions to integrate remote operations centres with advanced data analytics, crucial for the South African minerals sector’s readiness for the 4th Industrial Revolution.

Delivering the keynote address, Reece van Buren, technical and commercial officer at Digital Surveying noted that the session was aimed at exploring various topics that impacted the mining economy. “There are many challenges that come with the technological evolution of the mining space, and we aim to provide systems for efficient data management to the industry,” he said.

“The mining industry – including technology and original equipment manufacturing companies, as well as academic institutions – need to work collaboratively to tackle these emerging challenges that accompanies this digital shift,” said WMI research fellow Dr. Mulundumina Shimaponda-Nawa, adding that a key challenge was the efficient management of data.

“While mining data is sensitive and must be protected, the industry needs to find models to enhance performance, and industry standardisation can be shared following appropriate agreements,” she said. Other challenges identified included reskilling and upskilling initiatives to bridge the talent gap, and the implementation of robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information in an increasingly connected environment.

“The WMI is working to address this shortage of professionals skilled in operational technology and data analytics, while we are engaging in ongoing research to safeguard sensitive operational data against cyber threats,” Shimaponda-Nawa noted.

However, WMI RTIMS research lead Dr Mayshree Singh noted that this would only be possible if mine houses were more open in sharing experiences and data that made their operations more effective. “This data needs to be fit for purpose and care should be made in understanding the data use, so that the industry can gain a better handle on what variables are needed for the data collection.”

These systems also need regulation in terms of how the data is captured, stored and transferred, aimed at easing the burden of interoperability, Singh said, highlighting the need for customised solutions, tailored to specific mine operations and flexibility over proprietary software, which can often be prohibitively expensive and rigid.

Co-sponsored by HATCH and Digital Surveying, Shimaponda-Nawa noted that these events were important to academics and the mining industry alike. “These dialogues are a platform to learn industry pain-points and how to tailor research to address these issues. It also enables us to showcase current work that the industry can use to improve performance, as well as commercially develop solutions.

“These conversations must continue and implementation must be realised,” she noted. Attending the event, Natalie Brand, GM at Earthlab Technical Division added that the company was very excited to be invited to the dialogue. “This was a valuable conversation that needs to keep going. Mining is a challenging environment and if we don’t work together, the mining industry is not telling the research institutions what they need, then we cannot move forward together,” she said.

About the Wits Mining Institute:

The Wits Mining Institute is a self-funded institution dedicated to advancing mining education, research, and innovation. Through strategic partnerships with industry leaders, the institute aims to address the evolving challenges and opportunities facing the mining sector.

Issued by: SBPR Communications

The post WMI research dialogue drives mining’s digital transformation appeared first on Mining Business Africa.

The increasing use of mechanised and automated equipment at mine sites, as well as the ongoing focus on ESG and the need for spatial data, are some of the challenges the mining industry is facing. To address these topics and capitalise on opportunities, the WMI will work in collaboration with industry players to present short courses, equipping people to better tackle these challenges. Speaking on the back of their first short course, titled ‘Fundamentals of Occupational Health and Safety in Practice’, offered to members of Sibanye Stillwater, WMI Director Professor Glen Nwaila highlighted that the Institute received only positive feedback from participants.

Held during the week of 11 March, the course catered to mine health and safety practitioners, as well as executives from Sibanye Stillwater. “This was a fully attended course,” he noted, adding that participants called the course a ‘game-changer.’

“This is one of those unique undertakings where a university designs a course based on direct input, feedback and collaboration with the mining industry to solve the problems that the practitioners face. Participants lauded the program’s focus on professionalising safety practices and fostering greater awareness of safety issues in mining operations,” he said.

WMI believes the course will allow these practitioners to build their capacity and skills in the industry. Led by a seasoned Mine Health and Safety Practitioner, Mr Terence Parker and Dr Nelson Chipangamate, participants were exposed to cutting-edge methodologies and real-world case studies aimed at enhancing their competence in safeguarding mining operations.

“Through collaboration with industry leaders like Sibanye Stillwater, we are reshaping the landscape of mining education,” said Nwaila “These skills accelerator programmes represent a pivotal step towards enhancing safety practices and driving innovation in the mining sector.”

Looking ahead

Due to overwhelming demand, the WMI and Sibanye Stillwater have committed to offering these programmes on an annual basis, opening the course to the rest of the industry from 2025 onwards. Nwaila noted that there would also be a second intake for the Mine Health and Safety programme led by seasoned Mr Parker with a framework from Dr May Hermanus, running from 20 to 24 May 2024, while a third course, titled Mineral Value Chain for Occupational Health and Safety Practice, will be offered from 24 to 28 June 2024 and will be led by Dr Paskalia Neingo and Dr Pontsho Twala.

The curriculum is structured to accommodate two enrollments per year, with a focus on fundamental principles and advanced practices. Upon completion of all modules, participants will receive certificates endorsed by the University of the Witwatersrand, signalling their proficiency in occupational health and safety practices.

The WMI will also present a four-day online course from 20 to 24 May 2024 on ‘Mechanised Earthmoving in Mining: Equipment, Technology and Management’, which will be hosted by Professor Zvi Borowitsh, as well as a structured 21 st Century Mining programme for Akita University (Japan) students funded by the United Nations University. This forms part of the Smart Mining programme.

The programme will be presented by WMI’s Head of DigiMine, Dr Ahsan Mahboob, WMI SAMERDI SATCAP Head, Dr Ingrid Watson, WMI’s Director Prof Glen Nwaila, and WMI’s post-doctoral fellows, Dr Nelson Chipangamate and Dr Mulundumina Shimaponda. The programme will endeavour to promote the development of core human and technological resources for smart mining to lead sustainable resource development in Southern Africa.

A flagship course

Recognising the increasing importance of spatial data management in both the mining and commercial sectors, the WMI is also offering an online course on Geographic Information Systems (GIS), being held on 25 September.

Presented by Dr Ahsan Mahboob and Dr Iqra Atif, the course will aim to equip participants with the skills necessary to harness the power of spatial intelligence. The GIS course focuses on leveraging easy-to-access tools for spatial data analysis and visualisation, enabling participants to master Microsoft Excel for creating interactive maps, as well as to delve into the fundamentals of GIS. Attendees will gain invaluable insights into optimising resource allocation, locating and allocating employees, identifying mineral reserves, and enhancing operational efficiencies.

“In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and evolving industry trends, the WMI remains at the forefront of mining education. By curating these short courses, the WMI continues to pioneer the future of mining education, offering a transformative learning experience that equips participants with the skills needed to thrive in the 21 st Century mining landscape.

“As the industry embraces digitalisation and mechanisation, we are standing ready to empower the next generation of mining professionals with the tools, knowledge, and expertise to drive innovation and shape the future of mining,” Nwaila said.

“The success of these courses underscores the importance of collaboration between academia and industry. Partnerships with leading mining companies, including Sibanye Stillwater, African Rainbow Minerals, Mandela Mining Precinct and Accenture, have been instrumental in shaping the curriculum and providing essential funding support,” he noted.

As part of its commitment to further advancing mining research and innovation, the WMI is also inviting industry stakeholders to engage in funding opportunities for two proposed research centres: Future Mines and Minerals and Intelligent Remote Operating Centre. These centres will focus on ESG-related research and the development of intelligent mining technologies, respectively, offering naming rights to sponsoring companies.

Engaging dialogue

Lastly, the WMI will also kick off its inaugural quarterly breakfast dialogue sessions starting on 4 April 2024. These sessions aim to address pressing challenges in the mining industry and expedite research transformation into practical industry solutions, leveraging the Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability and Reinforcement, or ADKAR, change management model.

Interested participants can register for upcoming courses through the Wits Commercial Enterprise website, where it has established dedicated portal for course enrollment.

The post Wits Mining Institute to unlock mining potential with short courses appeared first on Mining Business Africa.

The WMI seminar, held at the end of September 2023, aimed at shedding light on innovative strategies for the industry. Among other topics explored were sustainable energy sources, the pressing challenge of cyber-attacks, integrating critical raw materials for a just energy transition, the evolving landscape of circular mining and minerals, and the growing need for waterless mining.

The evolution of circular mining and minerals

Led by Sibanye-Stillwater innovation head Alex Fenn, DRD Gold CEO Niel Pretorius highlighted during a panel discussion on the topic of circular mining, his company’s commitment to sustainability through embracing circular mining principles. The company has become a waste-neutral enterprise, mitigating environmental impact while generating substantial economic and social benefits.

“Our innovative approaches, such as using recycled water and transitioning to solar power, not only reduce our carbon footprint but also enhance operational efficiency and financial viability,” said Pretorius. “Repurposing redundant mine infrastructure and tailings has allowed us to restore the environment and positively impact nearby communities, ensuring a sustainable legacy for future generations.”

One of the key opportunities he highlighted was the extraction of value from previously deemed unrecoverable low-grade ores. “Through optimising processes, leveraging economies of scale, and deploying cutting-edge technology, we have been able to mine and rehabilitate several operations, including tailings dams,” he said.

University of Cape Town (UCT) Professor Jenny Broadhurst, a renowned sustainable mining and resource efficiency expert, noted that governments and policymakers play a pivotal role in incentivising circular mining practices and creating supportive regulatory frameworks. “One of the key barriers to these circularity efforts is the existing legislation and regulation. Although there are policies at a higher level that should support these initiatives, the reality is often the opposite,” stated Professor Broadhurst.

She also highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts between industry and regulators at both local and national levels. “The burden should not solely fall on governments; it’s crucial for mining companies to work with regulators and local governments to create an environment where circularity is not just encouraged, but enabled,” she added.

Addressing the complexity of establishing a sustainable mining future, Mzwandile Buthelezi, Group Head at Implats and Chair of the WMI Industrial Advisory Board (IAB), highlighted the importance of traceability of materials, a concept gaining traction among investors. He noted that mining companies are working together to define the best methods for material traceability – to establish transparency in the supply chain. This collaborative approach signifies a shift toward openness and accountability, as the industry strives to share information openly with communities and investors.

Integrating critical raw materials for a just energy transition

With critical minerals playing a role in the global just energy transition, a panel, moderated by former WMI Director Professor Fred Cawood, discussed how the mining industry has highlighted the need for a clear definition of what a critical mineral is and how this definition should be tailored to meet the unique needs of each country.

Dr. Nandi Malumbazo, a Senior Lecturer at the Wits School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, stressed the disparity in critical mineral identification among nations. “China recognises over 80 minerals critical to its economic development, while the UK identifies 34,” said Malumbazo.

“In contrast, South Africa is lagging behind in defining critical minerals based on its industrialisation efforts.” The Minerals Council of South Africa – Senior Executive: Modernisation and Safety, Mr. Sietse van der Woude emphasised that coal was identified as a critical mineral in ensuring energy security and addressing energy poverty in Africa. “The question is now, what does that mean for coal?” asked

Van der Woude. “Does it mean that all coal mining companies will have to sell their coal to the power utility at a much lower price than international prices? Or does it mean that we now are going to ban all coal exports because it’s now a critical mineral?”

Both Van der Woude and Malumbazo highlighted that defining critical minerals had to revolve around growing the local economy and creating jobs. Malumbazo added that while many African countries, including South Africa, were primarily involved in mining critical minerals, they still lacked downstream value addition. “These nations need to integrate into the downstream segment of the critical minerals value chain, as it is pivotal for economic growth,” she said.

Van der Woude advised this needed a closer look. “Instead of universally mandating beneficiation, we need to analyse each mineral and its value chain individually,” he added.

Advancements in waterless mining techniques

Being a water-scarce country, South Africa’s mining industry is undertaking a transformative approach to its water usage, including advanced water recycling and sustainable dust suppression. During a panel discussion led by Wits School of Mining Engineering senior lecturer Paseka Leeuw, Implats corporate water specialist Murendeni Makhado explained that waterless mining initiatives aim to create closed-loop systems where water is continuously reused and recycled. “This reduces the draw from external freshwater sources,” said Makhado.

She further highlighted the role of innovation and technology in achieving this goal, such as the need for internal efficiency improvements and reducing water losses due to evaporation and seepage. Professor Craig Sheridan, Director of the Centre in Water Research and Development and Professor Thokozani Majozi (Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment and active researcher in Water Process Engineering), noted that mining has a relatively small water abstraction footprint; however, its impact on water resources, particularly in terms of environmental contamination, is substantial. “Keeping water within the mining processes can mitigate environmental contamination,” said Professor Sheridan.

Makhado added that there was now a shift from internal water management to external water stewardship, considering the impact of mining activities on the entire catchment area, communities, municipalities and other industries.

Focusing on digital technologies

During a panel discussion that explored the development of digital technologies in Africa and the accompanying threats, Sibanye-Stillwater, Senior Vice President of Digital Transformation Werner Swanepoel pointed out that South Africa is not as disconnected as is often perceived.

”We are quick to adopt technological innovations,” said Swanepoel. “However, the key challenge lies in ensuring comprehensive end-to-end connectivity and addressing the pressing issue of cybersecurity, which is an integral part of the implementation of new technologies in mining. While pushing technological boundaries is crucial, it is equally essential to prioritise cybersecurity to safeguard these digitalisation efforts.

“Also speaking during the discussion that was moderated by Dwyka Mining Services CEO Jamie van Schoor, WMI Sibanye-Stillwater DigiMine head Ahsan Mahboob emphasised the role of education, training and knowledge-sharing in shaping the future of mining technologies. Mahboob highlighted the intrinsic relationship between technology and the people using it.

“We have initiated training workshops in collaboration with renowned institutions, both locally and internationally,” he said, noting that he was currently at a university in Japan where specialised courses tailored to industry needs are being co-designed under the Smart Mining Program. This international initiative provides hands-on experience to students from seven African countries, preparing them for the mining sector’s challenges.

Addressing the gap between cybersecurity experts and industry professionals, Mahboob stressed the importance of regular workshops and networking events, further citing the necessity of continuous feedback from the industry to ensure the effectiveness and relevance of training modules. “The WMI actively seeks input through industry advisory reports, enabling the Institute to effectively align our work with the evolving industry requirements,” he added.

“In essence, our approach is holistic, focusing on creating an ecosystem that combines education, hands-on training and active engagement with researchers and stakeholders. By empowering future mining technologists, we equip them to be the first line of defence against cyber threats while ensuring they possess the necessary expertise,” concluded Mahboob.

This gathering of top minds within the mining sector underscored the industry’s collective commitment to finding sustainable solutions and fostering collaborative efforts to tackle pressing challenges. The discussions not only highlighted the urgency of these issues but also showcased the shared dedication of industry leaders, researchers and experts in driving positive change.

“As the WMI, we aim to promote research and innovation around these areas, in collaboration with our industry partners,” said WMI director Professor Glen Nwaila.

The post Putting heads together to solve mining headaches at the Wits Mining Institute seminar appeared first on Mining Business Africa.

“Understanding the critical need for GIS skills, we are delighted to announce the return of our highly successful online course – GIS for 21st Century Mining,”said Ahsan Mahboob, the head of the Sibanye-Stillwater digital mining laboratory DigiMine, WMI’s flagship project. Mahboob said that the industry was rapidly advancing into the era of Industry 4.0 and is on its way to embracing Industry 5.0 – increasing the importance of GIS significantly.

“In these transformative times, our course serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding and implementing GIS,” he said. “The digital format of the course ensures that anyone, regardless of their geographical location, can seize this opportunity to reskill and upskill. In an industry where technological innovations determine success, mastering GIS can give professionals a considerable edge.”

GIS course

Taking place from 16 to 18 October 2023, the course will cover applications and lessons from the research being conducted at the DigiMine. It will also include hands-on training in advanced GIS software to address complex challenges in mining and to ensure reliability and sustainability of mining in the 4 th Industrial Revolution.

The course is aimed at people working in the mining sector, government and academia, and will cover applications throughout the mining value chain. Mahboob highlighted that GIS provides evidence-based and scenario-based spatial solutions and services for intelligent decision making.

“GIS proficiency in aspects of mineral resource management will assist participants to improve efficiency, health and safety, profitability and sustainable utilisation of assets,” he said. According to Dr Iqra Atif, senior lecturer in the Wits School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies (GAES) and the course instructor, mining is not just about digging into the earth.

“It is about digging into data to get insights and guide data-driven decisions,” said Dr Atif. “GIS is the compass that directs decision makers towards the sustainable future mining journey. This course is therefore about more than just skills; it is about imagining and shaping the next era of mining.”

She noted that GIS software, combined with associated technologies, is a cost effective and efficient way to do this – helping companies to turn more resources into reserves and to operate smart mines. The course content is tailored to meet the needs of today’s mining professionals.

“Participants will be given an introduction to GIS and a comprehensive understanding of GIS software,” she explained. “They will also gain proficiency in spatial data models, and techniques for the collection, creation and editing of geospatial data.”

The course will provide expertise in designing and managing geo-databases, and in geospatial analysis for comprehensive information extraction – as well as skills in geo-visualisation, cartographical design and map layout for enhanced data representation.

The post Wits online GIS course for 21st century mining appeared first on Mining Business Africa.

Driven by the theme ‘Turning Research Curiosity into 21st Century Minerals Industry Performance, Relationships and Technology’, the event will focus on pressing current issues including critical raw minerals, circular mining and sustainability. The focus will include the digital transformation of mining and the just energy transition, with input from leading industry players and academia.

Reflecting the strong industry participation, WMI Director Professor Glen Nwaila highlighted that the seminar represents over a decade of partnership between Sibanye-Stillwater and the WMI. The event is also sponsored by South32, African Rainbow Minerals (ARM), Impala Platinum (Implats), Datamine, Ramjack Technology Solutions, Schauenburg Systems, Gold One, Accenture and the Mandela Mining Precinct. The WMI has joined forces with the Wits Business School in hosting the seminar.

Keynote addresses will be delivered by Sibanye-Stillwater, Dwyka Mining Services, Seriti and the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), while four panel discussions will include participation by companies including Sibanye-Stillwater, Implats, Anglo American, ARM and Accenture. The event will focus on four key areas: integrated critical raw materials for the just energy transition; circular mining and minerals; digital technologies and cybersecurity; and waterless mining.

Wits seminar

The WMI will present aspects of its current research, and delegates can tour the WMI’s flagship project, the Sibanye-Stillwater DigiMine. Aside from sponsoring DigiMine, Sibanye-Stillwater also recently sponsored the newly refurbished and rebranded Wits Sibanye-Stillwater Innovation bridge, which links East and West campuses.

“Our first focus in the seminar is to promote research and innovation in the exploration, extraction and processing of critical raw materials that are essential for a sustainable and just energy transition,” said Professor Nwaila. “This has become imperative to achieve the global target of net zero emissions by 2050.”

The next focus emphasises the importance of circular economy principles in the mining industry. “We will explore secondary sources of metals, such as stockpiles and metallurgical tailings, and discuss how the mining industry can transition to a service-oriented model,” he explained. “This contrasts with the traditional ownership model, and instead aims to achieve a metal for subscription model that is relevant to modern investors, consumers and employees as they become more socially conscious.”

As advancements in digital technologies transform the mining landscape, the seminar will address the challenges and opportunities of implementing digital technologies – such as material traceability or fingerprinting of commodities from mining operation to the market. These solutions will have to be applied while ensuring robust cybersecurity measures, effective governance and responsible use of artificial intelligence.

“Water scarcity is another pressing concern for many mining regions, so the seminar will highlight innovative technologies and collaborative strategies that enable waterless mining processes,” he said.

As the host organisation, the WMI advances research, innovation and collaboration in the mining industry, with a strong focus on cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices. Professor Nwaila said the seminar will bring together industry leaders, experienced academics, students and stakeholders from the mining sector – to exchange knowledge, share insights and explore the latest advancements in mining to envision future trajectories.

“We have secured an impressive line-up of speakers and panellists who will share their expertise to ensure an enriching experience for participants,” he said. The registration fee is R3,000 per day or R6,000 for both days. Online attendance is also available at 50% of the price. Participants attending both days receive a certificate of attendance, along with CPD points, further accelerating their professional development.

The post Mining, academia forge future digital path at Wits appeared first on Mining Business Africa.

The three-day seminar – under the theme of ‘Turning research curiosity into 21 st Century minerals industry performance, relationships and technology’ – will showcase the work of the WMI and its partners, demonstrating the value of investing in R&D and building capacity. According to WMI director Professor Glen Nwaila, the event will strengthen collaboration between Wits University, industry, technology providers and other research institutions.

“As Wits celebrates 100 years of academic and research excellence, it is fitting that we share and discuss cutting-edge research on topics critical to mining in the 21 st century,” said Nwaila. “The seminar also builds on the success of our ‘Digital Technology Trends for 21 st Century Mining’seminars over the last three years.”

Key topics

To be held at the Wits Club on the university’s Johannesburg campus, the seminar will provide exceptional knowledge-sharing, networking and friendship-building opportunities with academic and industry peers. The focus will be on three key topics: technology and innovation for a sustainable, responsible and competitive minerals sector; skills development for 21 st century mining; and environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues in mining.

Day one will feature a keynote address by Sibanye Stillwater’s CEO, Neal Froneman. Delegates will then be introduced to two new South African Mining Extraction Research, Development and Innovation (SAMERDI) research centres hosted by the WMI. Professor Nwaila, as well as the research centres’ leads and students, will present their research. The second day will open with a keynote from Sibanye Stillwater focused on some of the company’s strategic imperatives. This will be followed by WMI’s technology partners, who will share their projects. This will include exhibiting their technologies and exchanging ideas on the next generation of technological innovations in the mining industry.

On the third day of the seminar, a range of papers will be presented on the conference topics. Delegates to all three days will receive certificates of attendance from Wits University, which count for 10 NQF level 6 CPD points in line with ECSA requirements.

The cost for the three-day seminar is R9,000 per person; delegates may also register for any of the days, at a cost of R 3,000 per day. To register, or for any other queries, contact Lileen Lee at Lileen.Lee@wits.ac.za or 011 717 7037.

Working towards a sustainable, competitive mining industry

The WMI includes five centres which work towards a sustainable, responsible and competitive mining industry. The Sibanye-Stillwater Digital Mining Laboratory (DigiMine) is a one-of-a-kind laboratory that conducts tests, research and innovation to transfer surface digital technologies into the underground mining environment.

The SAMERDI Successful Applications of Technology Centred Around People (SATCAP) Research Centre contributes to a productive industry through sustainable relationships and shared value for people in a modernising minerals sector. The SAMERDI Real Time Information Management Systems (RTIMS) Research Centre conducts fundamental research into technical, technological, and strategic issues in pursuit of 4IR technology readiness in the South African minerals sector.

The post Wits Mining Institute to host mining research, technology seminar appeared first on Mining Business Africa.

The first course – on Mechanised Earthmoving in Mining: Equipment, Technology and Management – will run from 27 to 29 July, while the second course will focus on Maintenance Management in Mining and be held from 13 to 15 July. The courses will be conducted online using remote learning platforms which enable interaction with the lecturer and among participants; these platforms will also facilitate group discussions on case studies.

Professor Borowitsh, who is attached to both the University of the Witwatersrand and the Israel Institute of Technology, specialises in earth and rock excavation, as well as load and haul optimisation. He has extensive academic experience, and has managed and consulted to large-scale earthmoving projects.

Maintenance Management

The Mechanised Earthmoving course will provide advanced manual and computerised techniques to equip participants to select the most efficient and economical spread of equipment for projects. They will learn cost evaluation analysis for equipment economics and earthworks, and also explore the planning and management of earthmoving projects.

Participants will also practice simulation with TALPAC and DRAGSIM software; trial versions of the software will be made available for download onto their own computers. The course is aimed at mining and civil engineering project managers, engineers and technicians at technical and managerial levels.

The course on Maintenance Management in Mining recognises that 30-60% of direct operating costs in a mechanised mine will relate to equipment – making the performance and maintenance of this equipment vital to success. The content will come from university and industry-based lecturers, and the three-day online course will comprise a mixture of lectures and case studies. Contact time will be supplemented with homework reading and a study pack.

Among the topics to be covered are: the strategic management of mining equipment maintenance; real-time monitoring of machines; data interpretation; machine application and component wear; optimising component life; and data links for supporting maintenance. The course will also explore oil sampling for detecting component wear, the principles of out-source service agreements, optimising parts inventories, basic workshop and field service planning, and safety in mine maintenance.

The post Mining courses in maintenance, earthmoving at WMI appeared first on Mining Business Africa.

The two SAMERDI Research Centres (SRCs) at the WMI will focus their fundamental research on the themes of Real Time Information Management Systems (RTIMS) and Successful Application of Technology Centred Around People (SATCAP) respectively, and will begin their work in early 2022. These are two of the thematic areas pursued by the Mandela Mining Precinct (MMP) in Johannesburg, which is administered by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

Ingrid Watson, acting director of the WMI, said they are proud to be involved in the foundational stage of this exciting endeavour.

“These two research centres build on the WMI’s existing expertise, and allow for further interdisciplinary research to inform a 21st century model of mining that is both sustainable and competitive,” said Watson. “Integral to the success of these efforts is the development of local capacity.”

Wits University’s roots in the mining sector extend back nearly 125 years, she said, and the establishment of these collaborative research centres is another way that the institution will support the future success of the country’s mining sector.

The SAMERDI strategy focuses on the modernisation pathway for mining to 2030, and the research centres will conduct fundamental research to create new knowledge about mining technology, data systems and processes associated with the sector, as well as a people-centric focus on the impact of modernisation on jobs, skills, environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, and stakeholder inclusivity. Each research centre will be headed by a Research Competence Lead, and will host a postdoctoral student, a doctoral student and up to four master’s students in a three-year cycle.

The outputs from the research centres will inform the applied research at the MMP, the results of which are felt on mine sites, in communities and throughout the mining value chain. These results will in turn inform the next iteration of the strategic focus for the fundamental research. The MMP is also researching longevity of current mines, mechanised mining systems and advanced orebody knowledge. MMP executive director Johan le Roux added his support to the collaborative partnership with the WMI.

“As the MMP, we are very glad and proud that we reached the stage of establishing the SAMERDI Research Centres,” said le Roux. “We believe that through these partnerships with universities and industry, we will collectively be able to contribute to the development of relevant research and development capacity in South African mining.”

MMP strategic advisor Dick Kruger also highlighted how important this initiative was for the mining industry.

The competitiveness of the mining sector – as with all industrial sectors – will ultimately be determined by the continuity, extent and quality of innovation across the entire value chain,” said Kruger. “To achieve this, the rapid development of new systems is needed, with a strong focus on localisation of design and manufacture.”

He emphasized, however, that this innovation needed a solid foundation of basic research.

“It is my belief that the research centres will provide this foundation,” he said.

About the Wits Mining Institute (WMI)

The WMI conducts and facilitates multidisciplinary research, encouraging partnerships to ensure a sustainable business model. Its flagship programme is the digital mining laboratory (DigiMine), where its focus is to conduct tests, research and development for transferring surface digital technologies into the underground mining environment.

It also identifies and develops skills required to operate 21st century, technologically-intensive mines, which feed into a programme for developing modern skill-sets at artisan, technician and professional levels for the mining sector.

The post Two new mining research centres at Wits Mining Institute appeared first on Mining Business Africa.

Speaking at the annual WMI Sibanye Stillwater DigiMine hybrid seminar in September, he outlined the work that was currently being undertaken to advance the use of technology within the mining sector as part of the institute’s digital systems rollout and the impact this has on the broader industry.

Between 2018 and 2021, the WMI has taken on 37 different research projects, with 29 completed and eight currently under review.

Some of the research projects look to transfer surface digital technologies to underground operations, through the development of real-time unmanned aerial vehicle teleoperation and collision avoidance; designing a multi-sensor cluster for monitoring ventilation risks, using a manned aerial vehicle in underground mining; analysing the specific absorption rate in humans for wearable wireless devices in underground mines and modelling rockburst and rocks stresses for evaluation, as well optimising support systems using advanced numerical techniques in ultra-deep gold and platinum mines.

“Digital systems are the glue that joins all elements of a physical entity, the data, knowledge components and the people who envision, create, build, test and operate the facility. This is essential for success,” he said.

Both Mahboob and WMI Visiting Professor Frederick Cawood highlighted that owing to COVID-19, the adoption of such digital technologies in the mining industry, which has historically been quite slow, has advanced at an unprecedented rate in the last two years. “Our research agenda, which looks to research, install and test technologies, aims to support the mining industry, to give mine workers and management the right information to make the right decisions at the right time,” added Mahboob.

He highlighted that this next generation mining would ultimately lead to zero harm, eliminating fatalities, real time mine monitoring and analysis, reduced energy consumption and a reduced environmental impact.

Professor Cawood noted that this could not have been achieved without the ongoing support of industry partners such as Sibanye-Stillwater. With a total investment of R27.5 million from Sibanye-Stillwater between 2015 and 2020, Wits University has been able to support students, strategic projects, and growing the DigiMine programme, which leverages a growing range of on-site facilities, with multidisciplinary research that draws on expertise from other departments at Wits University and from partners locally and abroad.

Technology development too slow?

Despite the advances of technology and the benefits it brings in terms of health and safety, efficiency, cost, productivity and being able to access new, more complex deposits, many challenges remain.

During his keynote address on Day Three, Sibanye-Stillwater Group Head of Innovation Alex Fenn noted that while research and development (R&D) was fundamental to progress, South Africa’s capacity for R&D was limited due to relatively low percentages of people with tertiary qualifications. “Our ability to innovate is fundamentally limited, not only in the mining sector, but nationally. In order to benefit from innovation and digital, we need to invest in technology development from fundamental research through to commercial solutions,” he highlighted.

He also pointed out that the skills shortage was not only in the sciences. “While there are numerous innovations emerging from local organisations and institutions, the innovation alone is not suitable for adoption, we need entrepreneurial skill to support the deployment of the technology in a responsible manner,” he said.

Fenn further noted that local regulatory requirements limited the country’s exposure to global capacity. Specific mining regulations stipulate that 70% of a company’s R&D spend be based in the country, but with limited follow through, relatively low capacity exists. Coupled to this is a historical disadvantage in terms of the knowledge base, making it less feasible.  “This results in limited exposure to globally competitive technology,” he noted.

As such, Sibanye Stillwater has committed to spend R86-million, over the period 2015 -2023 to support tertiary education and development beyond its internal bursary programme, noted Fenn. The gold, platinum and now battery-metals miner has also introduced its iXS innovation investment programme to develop innovators and entrepreneurs, supporting the start-up community through financial investment for commercial support, aiming to attract and develop expertise to solve mining-related issued with innovative solutions.

Counterproductive technology

The question of counterproductive technology was also brought to the fore. Professor Cawood highlighted unethical artificial intelligence (AI) as one of the issues that has been identified as a risk factor for mining companies going forward. “In many instances, the creators of AI are unregulated, there is a question of ethics and there is no registration required. These are the things we will need to look out for in the future.”

During a roundtable discussion at the seminar, Jean-Jacques Verhaeghe, Programme Manager: Real Time Information and Management Systems at the Mandela Mining Precinct noted that the implementation of AI can be an issue if the people within an organisation and the organisation itself do not have the ability to correctly use this technology. “It is important to get your automation and your strategy right in terms of what you want to do with autonomous machines and fix up your IT infrastructure, and decide what data means to you as a company. AI will not solve all the problems, but it could be useful in a fenced-off application,” said Verhaeghe.

Gathering data, noted Verhaege, was also a challenge. “You can simulate data, or download datasets off the Internet, but receiving data from mining companies proves challenging, as they often keep their data closely guarded. Finding those mining companies and original equipment manufacturers that want to collaborate on data collection, is critical.”

He added that the Mandela Mining Precinct was in the process of building an industry-wide open data access platform, which would allow for further R&D within the mining sector.

From a miner’s perspective, Fenn replied that companies were reluctant to share datasets as the end-use and application of that data is not always disclosed. “We have to protect our business, understand what we are handing over and ensure that we are not compromising governance frameworks by handing over that data to third-parties.”

Fenn highlighted that where AI can be problematic is when the values of the creators of AI do not have values that reflect company values, and where it is incorporating bias.

The post The future of work: a mining perspective appeared first on Mining Business Africa.