The Mandela Mining Precinct (MMP), a public-private partnership between the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovations (DSTI) and the Minerals Council South Africa, hosted an exciting showcase event at the CSIR International Convention Centre on Monday, 18 November 2024. The event, themed "Accelerating Mining RDI: Integrating Research Excellence with Mining Innovation," highlighted innovative mining modernisation tools and solutions, people-centred approaches to technological change and human capital development programmes.

During the event, the MMP featured a mix of exhibitions, technological demonstrations, breakaway sessions, an exciting panel discussion and an anchor address by DSTI’s Deputy Director-General, Dr Mmboneni Muofhe; CSIR CEO, Dr Thulani Dlamini and the Minerals Council South Africa CEO, Mzila Mthenjane.

Through MMP’s Advanced Orebody Knowledge (AOK) Programme, the event showcased local and global innovative technologies aimed at creating “glass-rock” environments for mining development and technology adoption in South Africa. The AOK programme sought to raise awareness of operationally ready geoscientific technologies to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of mining operations. This included drones capable of navigating enclosed spaces like underground tunnels to inspect, map and survey the rock face; handheld scanning devices designed to detect hazards at the rock face and analysers that could assess mineral deposits in real time.

MMP Executive Director Julie Courtnage stated that the future of South African mining hinged on two critical factors: sustaining current operations and integrating disruptive technologies to keep the sector competitive and inclusive. She emphasised, “The MMP showcase event provided a comprehensive view of mining's current state and outlined a forward-thinking strategy to achieve modernisation, sustainability and zero harm.”

Michelle Pienaar, the MMP AOK Programme Manager, explained that the event aimed to improve geological confidence ahead of the rock face. “With ‘look-ahead’ technology, unexpected features and events could be detected and avoided, or additional engineering measures could be implemented to prevent injuries and damage to equipment. We have a very powerful opportunity here to help drive technological adoption to propel zero-harm strategies,” said Pienaar.

Attendees also had the opportunity to see innovative tools and technologies from all the MMP Research programmes, namely, the Mechanised Mining Systems, Longevity of Current Mines, Real-Information Management Systems and Successful Application of Technologies Centred Around People Research Programmes.

"The MMP represents a key pillar in South Africa’s journey towards a modernised and technologically advanced mining sector. By fostering collaboration between the government, industry, science councils and academia, the MMP is driving innovation to ensure that the future of mining is safer, more efficient and inclusive,” stated Dr Muofhe.

He further sustained that the innovative tools and technologies exhibited at the event were a true testament to the government’s commitment as outlined in the department’s 2019 White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation and the Decadal Plan, contributing to the modernisation and sustainability of South Africa’s mining industry. Additionally, the partnership is crucial in that the Minerals Council South Africa matches the Department's research, development and innovation (RD&I) funding at 50 cents for every R1 from the department. This also helps increase the overall national investment in R&D.

Mthenjane concluded that as we strive for a safer, healthier and more efficient mining sector, it is critical to balance modernisation with environmental and human-centred considerations. He also noted, “The MMP showcase highlighted initiatives that can shape a sustainable, inclusive and  modernised mining industry."

-ENDS-

Issued by CSIR and MMP Strategic Communication

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About the MMP 

The Mandela Mining Precinct is the largest Public-Private Partnership of its kind in South Africa. It is a partnership between the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Minerals Council South Africa. The initiative is jointly hosted and managed by the Minerals Council and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. For more information, visit www.mandelaminingprecinct.org.za  

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