The Wits Mining Institute (WMI) has unveiled that it is assisting the mining industry to develop a raw critical minerals catalogue aimed at transforming the mining landscape in South Africa.

During his keynote address at the annual WMI seminar held on 28 and 29 September, WMI director Glen Nwaila noted that these materials, essential for technologies ranging from smartphones to renewable energy storage batteries, are often scarce and geologically specific. Despite its wealth of these resources, South Africa has lacked a centralised repository of this crucial information – until now.

“The catalogue not only fills this gap, but also aligns with the government’s efforts to create the country’s first Critical Raw Materials Strategic Plan, led by the Council for Mineral Technology, known as Mintek. We are now creating building blocks of a catalogue that will be used as evidence layers for a CRM policy formulation,” he stated.

Innovating for the future

Meanwhile, the role that technology and innovation play in this and other transformative initiatives in the mining industry, were also highlighted at the conference. “We are on the cusp of a new era in mining, not only addressing the challenges faced by the industry, but also setting new standards for efficiency and sustainability,” noted Nwaila.

The WMI, in collaboration with industry partners, including Accenture, Ramjack Technology Solutions, Schauenburg Systems and Datamine, demonstrated a range of cutting-edge technologies at the two-day seminar, aimed at enhancing mining operations. These included synchronised GPS systems that allows real-time analysis of geological stress structures, automated ore classifiers, smart vests equipped with sensors providing vital data on miners’ safety and environmental conditions, and developments in waterless mining.

“We’re not suggesting that mining can occur without water entirely. Rather, we are raising awareness about techniques and natural methods that assist us in reducing water usage wherever possible,” he said. He highlighted the WMI’s focus was on finding solutions within the existing constraints and using innovative approaches to reduce the industry’s environmental footprint.

Also highlighting the role of innovation in the mining industry, Sibanye-Stillwater Innovation Head Alex Fenn stated during his keynote address that while disruption seemed to have become the norm in the mining industry, it was also leading to areas of technological advancement that would herald many benefits to the industry.

Fenn emphasised tools such as 3D printing and its role in decarbonising the supply chain – enabling on-site spare parts manufacturing and addressing logistical challenges in remote mining areas. He also discussed the critical importance of wireless communication in the digital progression of the industry, enabling efficient operations even in remote locations. “It’s difficult to propagate signals underground, but with wireless technology evolving, this will be enabled,” he said.

He further acknowledged the “transformative power of large language models”, particularly in data management and decision-making processes. He noted, however, that some challenges remained. “AI can streamline operations and enhance efficiency, but it is limited in retaining valuable tacit knowledge within the industry,” he said.

Fenn also noted that the mining industry could draw from technologies such as blockchain, “which is often overlooked in terms of its true capability to decentralise decision-making”, as well as space innovation, “which offers possibilities in terms of network deployment and global connectivity”.

Creating a more sustainable industry

During his keynote speech, Dr Tsakani Mthombeni, executive: sustainability development at lmplats, noted that mining companies were recognising the importance of long-term sustainability within the communities that these companies were operating in.

“Sustainability should extend beyond mere compliance with regulations and laws,” said Dr Mthombeni. “Instead, it involves adopting approaches such as inclusive procurement, prioritising local businesses, and actively participating in the development of the communities in which we operate.

“This is further assisted by innovative thinking. Working with institutes like the WMI, Implats seeks to find practical solutions that enhance sustainability, engage with local communities, and create new markets and economies.”

While South Africa and its mining companies were struggling with constraints in power supply, Seriti Resources CEO Mike Teke highlighted the critical intersection between sustainable solutions, such as clean energy developments, and fossil fuels. “The world is transitioning,” Teke stated during the seminar proceedings, “and as it does, we must accept that fossil fuels play a significant role in our energy needs. We cannot ignore its contributions to our economy and society.”

He added that the transition from traditional fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy was a gradual process requiring meticulous planning, inclusivity, and pragmatic decision-making. “A balanced approach considering both fossil fuels and clean energy is essential for a successful just energy transition,” he said.

Looking to the future, the WMI emphasised that research and development will continue to play a significant role in paving the way for a more sustainable mining industry. “The seminar showcased not just technological advancements but also the spirit of collaboration that fuels this innovation,” said Nwaila. “With these strides, we are confident in steering the mining sector toward a more sustainable and prosperous future.”

Mining is fast embracing various automation and digital technologies, but to keep up with the rapid pace of operational change that this trend demands, everyone must keep learning.

This is the message from Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions Human Resources Development (HRD) Manager, Vusi Mnguni who warns that skills development as an enabler is pivotal to effective change management process.

As a result, the company invests heavily in employee and customer development through its training academy at its Khomanani head office. This is made possible through a variety of specially developed programmes, with most of these conducted in collaboration with tertiary institutions such as the University of Pretoria, Tshwane University of Technology, Colliery Training College, Sandvik Training Academy and other qualified skills development providers.

“Innovation in mining means that more changes are coming, but change is only possible with new competencies,” argues Mnguni. “Unless you have prepared your employees with the requisite skills to drive the change you want, that change process is doomed – as many people will resist what they do not know.”

Citing Sandvik’s purpose being “We make the shift – advancing the world through engineering”, he highlights that this requires the business to identify the skills it needs now – and those it needs in the future. Training in the necessary competencies must begin now, to enable the company to move forward towards meeting its strategic objectives.

“This approach also makes an important broader contribution to the mining sector because tomorrow’s skills need to be in place before we can introduce our latest technologies to the market,” he explains. “The application of technology is really a change management process, which rests on the leadership, technical and organisational capacity of all involved.”

To achieve this, Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions is engaged in a wide range of training initiatives in technical, managerial and other skills. Mnguni emphasises that change is driven by leadership, and skills are developed at this level in terms of adaptability, agility and change management.

“Another key aspect of learning among our staff and in the mining sector generally today is around data,” he explains. “It is increasingly expected that decision-making is data driven, so everyone needs to be literate at the level that they interact with data to understand and analyse the growing volume of data available.”

Mechatronics competency is the way forward and a focal point for Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions. Indeed, it is already demanded in the current working environment, as the company is a leader in developing intelligent machines for mining.

This means that the traditional artisan skill sets must be taken further, he says. Collaborating with the Tshwane University of Technology, the company upskills millwrights and electricians through a mechatronics programme that deals with the marriage of mechanical, electrical and computer science. This is one of only two institutions in Africa who can offer this specialised course.

“In fact, we have changed our apprenticeship programme to our Millwright Extended Programme which makes Artisan 4.0 a focal point. This includes basic skills in PLC programming and working with autonomous robots/vehicles,” he says. “This helps to equip the kind of artisan that industry really needs, as it is no longer enough to be specialised in the traditional trades. While regulated apprenticeship modules are generic, the apprentices need additional specialised training to be ready to work on modern mining equipment.”

Various training modalities are appreciated by Sandvik, Virtual, In- Class, Instructor Led , Self-Paced , Nano Learnings , Simulated , On the Job Training , Coaching , Augmented and Virtual Reality.

He adds that it is essential that all role players align their programmes with the technology trends. This is what Sandvik Academy does, not only as a pipeline for its own skills but also for customers that request it. Such is the legacy of skills development at the company, that it has trained more than 1,000 apprentices over the past 22 years – at a 100% absorption rate into employment.

“These people are gold to the industry and have been taken up not only in South Africa but in countries like Zambia, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, as well as abroad,” Mnguni concludes.

Coal has continued to confound sceptics as energy security continues to top the agenda in the global economy. At the inaugural London Indaba – a conference of mining executives and policy makers – Menar highlighted coal’s resilience in bolstering economic growth.

The event took place on 26-27 June, at the InterContinental Park London Lane, UK under the overarching theme: Why Africa is important for the future of mining and mining is important for the future of Africa.

In a presentation to the gathering on whether coal was a winner or loser amid the global economic demands for growth and the ongoing energy transition towards decarbonisation, Menar MD Vuslat Bayoglu focused on the importance of adopting a balanced approach that considers the role of coal in curbing energy insecurity.

Bayoglu emphasised how coal came to the rescue at crucial moments to major economies, testifying to its continued resilience. Coal use increased in the past two years, partly because of the Russia-Ukraine war, resulting in countries like Germany turning back to coal as an affordable alternative to Russian gas.

In the aftermath of the Covid pandemic, China was unable to generate enough power which caused the country to experience loadshedding. “To tackle this, China increased its coal production because they understood the importance of securing energy supply to maintain the country’s manufacturing sector. African countries on the other hand are being told to stop using coal and this will have a detrimental effect on our economies,” says Bayoglu.

An estimated 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa alone do not have access to reliable electricity. South Africa’s ongoing loadshedding crisis shows how a country’s economic growth can be stunted by inadequate power supply.

A balanced approach to coal meant that the world would continue to benefit from the fuel’s reliability. “With the availability of emission reduction and abatement technologies, we can uphold our dual commitment to protect the environment while supporting access to electricity and economic growth,” Bayoglu said.

Bayoglu stated that there wasn’t sufficient renewable capacity to produce adequate energy supply. “What South Africa does have, are coal fired power stations that can help us achieve energy security to support industries and communities. With the world’s energy consumption expected to increase, we can anticipate coal to still play a significant role in the future.”

In the pursuit of economic prosperity, Botswana stands as a shining example for South Africa for its efforts to harness its abundant mineral resources to drive remarkable growth. Yet, achieving broad-based, future-proof economic growth in the country calls for professional engineering expertise and investment to enhance the sector’s development and workforce skills.

The mining and quarrying industry emerged once again as the major contributor to Botswana’s economy in 2022, accounting for 24.6% of its GDP, as per Statistics Botswana’s Gross Domestic Product Fourth Quarter of 2022 report. Notably, the real value added by the coal, soda ash, and diamond industries grew by 21.8%, 8.9%, and 7% respectively, underlining the sector’s dynamic diversity and growth potential.

James Othapile, Managing Director of Erudite Botswana, notes that the key in meeting this potential and ensuring the country’s long-term mining growth lies in optimising the country’s operations. This is where engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firms like Erudite can play an invaluable role, assisting in transforming Botswana’s mining sector and economy, and positioning themselves as partners in the nation’s socio-economic development.

“Multinational EPCMs have primarily been serving the local mining industry, with a modus operandi of setting up remote offices with minimal staff within the country’s borders and delegating tasks to their internationally based head offices. While this may seem efficient, this approach has brought little to no substantial local empowerment to the local engineering sector in which they operate,” he says.

A significant advantage of partnering with more localised, African-based EPCMs is their commitment to local ownership and skills development. Rather than relying primarily on international expertise, these firms invest in developing the skills of local engineering and project management professionals. The goal is to build teams that can ultimately manage local projects independently from their parents and contribute to the nation’s skills development in a sustainable manner.

Othapile points out that operational methods generally employed by large multinational EPCMs are ill-suited to assisting Botswana and other developing nations to build locally driven, knowledge-based economies. By contrast, Erudite believes in fostering local ownership, developing local teams, and collaborating with existing local engineering firms. This approach ensures the transfer and development of valuable skills and expertise within local businesses. It further results in the retention of funds within the borders rather than exporting funds to international destinations.

“The value that Erudite brings to local clients, which include mine owners and governments, extends beyond our capacity to design and build infrastructure or processing plants. With a greenfield project, for example, you start with a barren stretch of land which must be cleared and developed, introducing road, water reticulation and power infrastructure, and the necessary mining and beneficiation plant facilities. This responsibility generally falls to appropriate EPCMs, which in turn appoint subcontractors. But it’s how the EPCM engages with those contractors that matter,” says Othapile.

He adds that success is not simply measured by meeting immediate project execution goals, but also through creating value for local communities and the wider Botswana economy. This is achieved in two basic ways.

Firstly, by subcontracting local companies, EPCM firms directly facilitate the growth of the local economy, creating jobs and driving income growth. This approach goes a long way in supporting the growth of local enterprises, offering them lucrative opportunities to participate in significant projects and gain exposure to the industry.

Secondly, these firms deploy comprehensive training programmes designed to enhance the professional capabilities of local workforces. This helps raise the skill levels within their immediate teams and contributes to a broader ecosystem of well-trained professionals. The long-term impact of such initiatives is substantial, equipping workforces in countries such as Botswana with the expertise needed to lead future projects and drive innovation in the sector.

“Sustained investment in local subcontracting and training forms an integral part of EPCMs’ strategies. By committing to these initiatives, they can nurture an ecosystem of skilled professionals and robust enterprises. As we’ve seen in Botswana, the ripple effects of such an ecosystem are substantial, with potential to contribute significantly to economic growth well beyond the completion of initial projects,” concludes Othapile.

The global mining automation market is set to touch US$ 7.5 billion by 2033, expanding at 6.4% CAGR from 2023 to 2033.

Mining is the second-most significant and ancient human endeavor after agriculture. The two industries are considered the primary industries of early civilization. Mining is the primary source of mineral commodities, which all countries rely on to maintain and improve their standard of living. Mining automation is gaining prominence due to increasing awareness of the application of modern technology.

Mining automation refers to the utilization of control systems, such as computer technology and electronics, to assist machines in performing certain activities. It covers several types of equipment used in mining activities with high operational autonomy.

The main benefit of mining automation technology is cost reduction. Mining costs can be decreased by automating the procedure. It can also assist in minimizing the number of miners needed, which can help to lower mining costs. Mining automation solutions can also help boost productivity. Mining speed can be increased using automation. Moreover, the technology can aid in improving the quality of minerals.

Traditionally, mining operations involved a lot of manual labor, which put people in a risky environment. A large number of human resources are needed to achieve increased productivity, which includes supplying safety equipment and high remuneration, which raises overall production costs. Many corporations are employing automation in their mining processes to prevent such significant costs and risks to personnel.

Mining management and the government have long been concerned about the increased incidence of mining accidents. Miners frequently jeopardize their lives by digging underground in hazardous conditions to bring profitable commodities to the surface. Workers and their supervisors can surely gain from automating underground chores and using robots or other advanced technologies that can function efficiently without being hindered by any cause. Such advantages of mining automation solutions are projected to boost market growth over the next ten years.

“Mounting concerns regarding workers’ safety, growing acceptance of technologically advanced equipment, and increasing need for improved productivity are important factors propelling the global market for mining automation.”

Winning Strategy

Several leading market players are working on launching advanced products and solutions to expand their presence in the worldwide market.

• For example, Liebherr Group launched a new model of mid-class mining excavator, the T 274, at Bauma 2022 in June 2022. The T 274 is equipped with Liebherr’s Trolley Assist System and is projected to give advantages such as increased production, shorter cycle times, and lower fuel consumption.

The recent conversation around sustainable mining has been centred o‌n two things: the impact of mining activity o‌n surrounding communities and the environment, and the sourcing of resources essential for clean energy networks and systems.

However, the transition to cleaner mining also requires the introduction of sustainable principles and practices to mines that exist today. South Africa will continue to mine coal and gold for the foreseeable future, and these operations need to be both sustainable and continue to operate. But with pressure to increase productivity and adopt more environmentally and socially responsible practices, the mining industry needs a more sustainable, technology-enabled approach.

Towards a sustainable future

South Africa’s economy has been built on rich mineral reserves and has relied on mining to drive development. But the global mining industry is at a crucial inflection point: many mining companies are making strides in the transition towards renewable energy. At the same time, the Covid-19 pandemic has renewed focus on the importance of good social and environmental practices.

In South Africa, the transition to renewable energy has resulted in a balancing act between reducing the country’s carbon emissions and mitigating mass coal job losses. Considering that Africa’s economy continues to rely primarily on coal for electricity generation, the shift to cleaner energy will have to be gradual. During this transition, mining organisations must find ways to introduce sustainable practices while considering their impact on the communities in which they operate.

The transition to greener energy

Many mining companies in South Africa and across the globe are joining the collective effort to build a sustainable future for communities and the environment. In 2015, all members of the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to chart a way forward for social, economic, and environmental change. Some of South Africa’s biggest mining companies have set ambitious targets to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Investors and stakeholders in the mining sector increasingly demand that mining companies disclose their climate-related financial risks and opportunities according to global recommendations, such as those laid out by the G20’s Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).

An amendment was made to South Africa’s Electricity Regulation Act on 5 October 2021, to raise the electricity generation licence exemption threshold from 1 MW to 100 MW. This amendment serves to enable more independent power producers (IPPs) to participate in the energy market without the need for a licence. In April 2022, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy launched a bidding window for the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme. Onshore wind and solar power projects are also being developed across South Africa, and many mining companies are turning to them for electricity because of Eskom’s high tariffs and unreliability.

The need for technological innovation

Mining companies need to develop sustainable solutions to tackle the many challenges – and opportunities – that come with this shift toward greener energy and greater social and environmental responsibility. While national frameworks and policies help regulate mining activities, not all mines implement best practices to mine sustainably.

In early 2021, the Minerals Council South Africa published a report highlighting how the country’s mining industry was increasing its use of technological innovation to transform the sector. Investments in 4IR-enabled digital technologies are helping mining companies become more globally competitive – as well as improve the health and safety of their operations.

South Africa has some of the deepest mines in the world – and a historically poor safety record. And while mining fatalities in South Africa have reached record lows over the last decade, there was an 18% increase in 2020 in accidents related to falling rocks and transportation. Mining companies can use smart surveillance solutions in a variety of ways to ensure the safety of employees.

Cameras equipped with deep learning-based analytics, for example, can monitor a variety of hazards and create proactive warnings. These cameras can detect when personnel are not wearing protective equipment or ensure areas of a mine don’t become dangerously overcrowded. They could also be used to monitor dust clouds, which can pose a significant health risk to the work environment and surrounding communities.

An opportunity for transformation

Surveillance technologies can improve the operational efficiency and physical security of mining operations and help mines monitor and mitigate risks to employees, the community, and the environment. These technologies represent an opportunity for a real transformation of South Africa’s mining sector: companies that are pivoting towards more sustainable practices must leverage new technologies to their advantage.

As South Africa’s mining sector gradually transitions from fossil-fuel dependency and with a renewed focus on social and environmental concerns, mining companies cannot afford to continue with outdated practices and limited technological innovation. The future of our economy – and our planet as a whole – depends on it.

By Rudie Opperman, Manager for Engineering & Training, Middle East & Africa at Axis Communications