The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA) is accepting applications for its bursary programme for 2024.

Each year SEIFSA grants bursaries to qualifying learners planning to pursue a career in the Steel and Engineering industry.

“As SEIFSA, we understand how important it is for the Metals and Engineering Sector to have a pipeline of highly skilled individuals into the sector. This process begins with supporting exceptional young individuals as they pursue their tertiary education in the engineering and related fields of study and is the reason we have our bursary programme,” says Lucio Trentini, CEO of SEIFSA.

Full-time students registered for approved undergraduate engineering programmes at South African Universities or a National Diplomas in engineering at Universities of Technology may apply.

Students studying in the following fields are eligible for the bursary scheme:

• Chemical engineering
• Civil engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Electronic engineering
• Industrial engineering
• Materials science
• Mechanical engineering
• Metallurgical engineering
• Other related engineering courses

Requirements:

• South African citizen.
• 35 years or younger.
• Excellent academic results for maths and physical science, with a minimum of 75% average in grade 12.
• Already studying or provisional acceptance into an undergraduate course at a South African University or University of Technology.
• Registered to study at a recognised South African University or University of Technology; and
• Enrolled to study any of the courses mentioned above.

The closing date for applications is November 30, 2023.

All applications will be evaluated against the policy requirements of the SEIFSA Bursary Scheme.

Bursary application form: https://www.seifsa.co.za/

For any queries, contact:

Mabandla Nhlapo

Phone: 011 298 9425
E-mail: bursaryapplications@seifsa.co.za

Consistent infrastructure investment over decades is the key to South Africa developing and maintaining a solid foundation of in-country engineering expertise – and among consulting engineers in particular.

The role of consulting engineers is essential in maintaining standards of excellence in project planning and execution, according to SRK Consulting managing director Andrew van Zyl. These professionals deliver highly specialised technical and strategic services to various industries, explained Van Zyl, providing independent input to underpin project quality and ensure that clients – whether in the private or public sector – receive value for money.

With the relative buoyancy of the mining sector, recent years have been busy for the company due to its long history in the mining sector, he said.

Upward trajectory

“However, it is really only a sustained and upward trajectory of broader economic growth that will secure South Africa’s vital skills base in the consulting engineering sector,” he said. “It is becoming an urgent necessity that public sector spending on infrastructure rises and stabilises; this will support the creation of a firmer foundation for the country to maintain and further develop its expertise among consulting engineers.”

He emphasised that the quality of the consulting engineering industry in any country relies on the steady growth of experience across multiple disciplines over decades, not just years.

“Here in South Africa, we have been struggling to generate and retain these skills,” he noted. “Many specialisations are in high demand internationally, so we are also competing with other countries for these scarce skills.”

Highs and lows

The mining sector was by its nature cyclical, and this created regular fluctuations in the demand for specialised consulting engineering input. This often made it challenging for companies to retain and foster the expertise required by mines, especially during commodity price slumps. It was therefore important that other sectors of the economy were also vibrant, so they could help to temper the highs and lows of the commodity cycle.

“Buoyant commodity prices in recent years have kept consulting engineers very busy – with considerable scarcity in some disciplines,” he said. “However, the construction and infrastructure sector remains subdued, and this has depressed the demand for important skills that the infrastructure sector will need in the long term.”

Returning to the vital role that consulting engineers play in both the public and private sectors,  he said these experienced professionals provide independent advice on how to plan and implement quality engineering solutions for a modern economy.

Nurturing best minds

“The disciplines underpinning these solutions take decades to nurture, and invariably demand some of the best students that the educational system can generate,” said Van Zyl. “We need to be cultivating these skills and interests among the country’s best students, which means supporting students and mentoring graduates.”

He highlighted that, in practice, this could only be successfully accomplished in a growing economy that can make full use of this expertise, and where careers can be built.

“It should be remembered that consulting engineers really drive the implementation of global best practice in a range of sectors that must compete on the international stage,” he said. “Only by keeping up with these global benchmarks can South Africa’s economy remain competitive and aligned with the expectations of investors and regulators.”

Evolving mandate

The mandate of consulting engineers is also evolving, he pointed out. Today, it is necessary not only for engineering structures to be technically sound, cost-effective and safe, but they must also be environmentally and socially responsible. These latter aspects of projects are now an essential requirement for businesses to operate globally.

“This approach also ensures that economic development occurs within a sustainable and responsible framework – including complying with legal regulations and other compliance requirements,” he said. “By applying these factors, consulting engineers contribute to building an inclusive and job-creating economy; at the same time, they help ensure that business is transparent and predictable – which are important considerations for investors.”

In line with these trends, SRK has built its expertise in the environmental, social and governance (ESG) field, including issues like climate change resilience, water stewardship and decarbonisation. The consulting engineering field has also embraced the opportunities offered by digital technologies, with SRK investing substantially in its data science capabilities to enhance the application of scientific and engineering skills.

Van Zyl noted that the consulting engineering sector was resilient, and despite years of underspending in public infrastructure, South Africa still retained a high level of skill and capability that in many respects compared well globally.

Driving its leading technology through a pure play mining strategy, FLSmidth has been optimising its footprint to be closer to customers with local solutions and expertise.

Alistair McKay, FLSmidth’s Head of Site and Service Sales Sub Saharan Africa, Middle East & South Asia (SSAMESA), highlights the CORE’26 mission at the centre of this strategy. CORE’26, explains McKay, is based on the principles of sustainability, technology, service and performance.

“We go to the market through our five regional structures around the world, which deliver sales, service and order execution,” he says. “The regions are in turn supported by our global organisation and its leading product lines. The global resources are strategically located in countries such as the US, Denmark, Germany, India and South Africa, where we have a concentration of expertise to support our offerings.”

As part of the footprint optimisation, resources have been deployed and infrastructure investments made in key areas, with Johannesburg remaining as the mining hub for the SSAMESA region. World class facilities in the region include the Stormill service centre – for KREBS® pumps, valves and cyclones – and the Delmas manufacturing facility for vibrating screens and other equipment. There is also the fully integrated engineering facility and a service centre at Chloorkop, focused as a centre of excellence on refurbishing high pressure grinding rolls.

McKay highlights that the manufacturing, assembly and refurbishment capacity of these centres cater for product lines not just for this region but for FLSmidth globally.

The regional footprint includes local sales and services offices in Ghana, Saudi Arabia and India. “Our strategy allows us to get closer to customers around Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, while building the local manufacturing base as part of our global supply chain,” says McKay.

He also emphasises the importance of technical knowledge in successfully building the SSAMESA footprint. “Relevant expertise and know-how remain important enablers to our customers for projects and broader development in Africa especially,” he says.

The company’s focus on local manufacture in countries like South Africa also means that the domestic economy is supported while local skills are employed and developed. With a focus on skills development, FLSmidth contributes to the training of customers’ staff, while pursuing talent development through learnerships, apprenticeships and scholarships.

“As a technology provider of world class sustainable offerings across the full flowsheet, the expertise in our regional footprint is key,” he says. “We also prioritise research and development that supports our sustainability ambitions and our customers’ green journey.”

The opportunity to observe activities around a new mine being developed by Canyon Coal in Mpumalanga proved to be an invaluable experience for Mining Journalism Training (MJT) attendees. This year Menar Academy hosted 17 trainees including journalists and journalism students who got an opportunity to tour the Gugulethu colliery operations as part of the two-day programme held on 18-19 October. The first day of training happened at Menar’s Sandton headquarters, followed by the mine tour on the second day.

Radio broadcaster Malebeko Sadiki, said she gained crucial information through the lectures and the mine tour. “As someone who initially had no prior knowledge of the mining industry, I can confidently say that this program has transformed my perspective and equipped me with a deep understanding of this complex field,” Sadiki said.

The trainees arrived to the bustling scenery of ADTs and excavators moving around the site. They were issued with protective gear and taken through safety protocols before embarking on a tour of the pit and processing plant, accompanied by the mine’s General Manager Jarmi Steyn.

The day before the mine visit, trainees attended seminars conducted by seven guest speakers at Menar House in Sandton. Various topics including mining health & safety, policy, illegal mining, and critical minerals were covered during the sessions. Dr Sandile Nogxina, delivered a presentation on the history of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) and its transformative role.

Minerals Council CEO Mzila Mthenjane, spoke on the importance of stakeholder relations in mining while award winning journalist Lucas Ledwaba shared his experience of covering the tragic Marikana Massacre in 2012, using the story to discuss critical themes such as the role of journalists in upholding democracy.

Journalist Lindiwe Tsobo said the sessions were insightful. “Besides providing a thorough look into the sector, all the speakers were of high calibre and brought thought-provoking discussions to the table,” Tsobo said.

Speaking on South Africa’s unique geology, Professor Nikki Wagner described the country as a geological wonderland, due its endowment of world class mineral deposits. Geologist Kgothatso Nhlengetwa addressed the issue of policy gaps that make SA vulnerable to illegal mining practices.

Solomon Maseko, also a trainee said the programme enabled him to get a deeper understanding of mining. “It provided an eye-opening opportunity to delve into an industry that plays an instrumental role in our global economy and the lives of countless individuals,” said Maseko.

Solidarity Union Secretary General Gideon Du Plessis discussed the dynamics surrounding media statements and wage negations. Richard Spoor Attorneys Director George Kahn who discussed health and safety withing the context of South African mining was the final speaker for the first day of the MJT programme.

One of the MJT highlights is an article competition, whereby attendees get to write about their experiences. The overall winner is awarded with a cash prize. Since its inception in 2017 MJT has provided a platform for media practitioners to engage with industry experts and visit mining sites. The programme is carefully designed to cover industry topics that concern operations, policy, the economy, labour relations and mining’s impact on citizens. The aim of this initiative is to make the mining story more accessible, and support journalists in their mission to tell compelling stories about one of the most important industries in the country.

Rapid technological change in the mining industry is making Geographical Information Systems (GIS) more important than ever – hence the return of the popular Wits Mining Institute (WMI) online GIS course.

“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.”

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 4th 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.

“Join us in this transformative journey and seize the chance not only to advance your professional growth but also become a driving force in reshaping the future of responsible and prosperous mining,” urged Mahboob.

The cost for corporates is R7 500.00 (including VAT) and for students is R3 000.00 (including VAT). For information and bookings, contact:

Lileen Lee

Phone: +27 (0) 11 717 7037
Mobile: +27 (0) 82 829 6839
E-mail: Lileen.Lee@wits.ac.za

The Copper 360 (Altx CPR) School of Mining debuted its first set of courses on 11 September, at its Concordia operation in the Northern Cape. The company announced the development of the training facility in August.

The school will launch with seven courses: Basic Surface Geology, Sampling, Ore Body Technician, Mineral Resource Management, Drone Technology, Introduction to Mining Law and Urban Design for Mining Communities. Thirty students were accepted at its first intake for the series of unaccredited courses including women and persons with disabilities.

“The initial course offering will focus on developing practical knowledge for students,” said Copper 360 executive director Quinton Adams, who heads up the firm’s community engagement arm. “Skills development will initially be based on the needs of the company, whereafter, as the school grows, a wider net will be cast.”

The courses were developed in-house, and the company has sourced experienced geologists and other mining professionals to contribute to and present the material. A further three hundred staff members have enrolled in an extended apprenticeship programme that will be simultaneously rolled out. Personnel will also enjoy access to School of Mining courses.

The Northern Cape, with its mostly untapped natural resources, will be the next mineral province and economic driver of the country, said Adams. But unemployment is at near sixty percent in some areas and poverty widespread.

Copper, nickel, manganese, and other minerals have attracted significant interest in the province’s reserves, but joblessness remains high.

“Structural unemployment poses a substantial challenge in the province and, for its citizens to enjoy the opportunities that are likely to come, education must be at the top of any line-item agenda,” said Adams.

Addressing structural unemployment, in other words the gap between the skills that a population holds, and the opportunities the labour market offers, presents a challenge. “The workforce is there, but it is not employment ready. In anticipation of growth in the resource sector, the School of Mining is in place to mend this chasm,” Adams shared.

While the school’s first courses are unaccredited and Copper 360 needs-based, Adams noted that accredited courses as well as diploma and degree fields of study are on the near-term horizon, including an association with the Camborne School of Mines in the United Kingdom.

Adams said that he expects the School of Mining to contribute substantially to the nurturing of human capital as the minerals boom takes shape in the province.