African Mining News (Issue 7 - ESAB)

TELEMATICS TECHNOLOGY IN THE MINING INDUSTRY

Several of the challenges that fleet managers face are universal, but mining fleets face specific safety, sustainability and compliance challenges daily, in addition to the crucial need of operating efficiently while maximising productivity.

ining companies often manage large fleets of vehicles and machinery and the effective use and management of these fleets of vehicles is not only crucial to ensuring the safety of these assets and their workers, but also for compliance with strict HSEQ regulations and operational efficiency.

The scheduling of workers and equipment, visibility of vehicles and equipment, unanticipated equipment repair, adherence to stringent HSEQ requirements, and the unsafe operating of mining vehicles are some of the challenges fleet managers in the mining industry face daily. MiX Telematics offers fleet management solutions to assist the mining industry in quickly and effectively resolving these and other difficulties.

The MiX Fleet Manager Premium solution has a tracking module that provides a real-time view of a vehicle’s position – whether it’s stationary or on the move – and which driver is behind the wheel. It also shows information relating to speed, driving direction, ignition status, driving violations, past trips and more. The solution’s robust reporting capability enables data to be reviewed and analysed in detail as well as in dynamic and customisable formats. Reports include movement, location, trip and utilization reports, as well as driver scoring, fuel, event violations and cost analysis reports.

The availability of data in real-time is key so everyone from on-site workers to managers and executives can prevent asset mismanagement and delays in urgent decision making. From fuel usage to idle time and location information, collecting and combining data in a single view can assist in optimising a

The online dashboards and telematics data provided by MiX Insight Analyser is vitally important for the daily operational decisions that businesses have to make, says Gert Pretorius, CEO & Managing Director, MiX Telematics Africa.

“The active fleet data is used to detect trends, monitor vehicle utilisation and driver behaviour, as well as fuel consumptionconsiderations that have become even more important during the current economic climate,” concludes Pretorius.

Unplanned equipment maintenance can make equipment unavailable at a critical stage. The service and licence notifications feature available in MiX Fleet Manager, allows for alerts to be set up for when specific equipment needs routine maintenance - minimising unexpected repairs and breakdowns as well as unplanned downtime. The feature can also be used to manage drivers’ legal requirements such as driver’s licences and Professional Driving Permits (PDPs), in addition to vehicle legal

MiX Insight Analyser is a fully customisable online (Business Intelligence) BI platform that enables fleet managers to use Big Data to answer pressing fleet questions and make informed operational decisions by presenting relevant and accurate fleet data in a simplified way.

MiX Vision AI is an advanced dash camera with a built-in artificial intelligence (AI) processor designed to detect risky driving behaviour that could lead to accidents, including distracted driving like mobile phone use, fatigue, seatbelt usage, smoking, unsignalled lane departure, unsafe following distance and even warning of imminent forward collisions. As driver behaviour can often lead to high fuel consumption, managing driver behaviour gives managers the chance to address and correct potentially dangerous equipment use in real-time and provides insight into use patterns that can inform future training programs and safety protocols while reducing C02 emissions.

Technological advances have had a significant impact on all industries, especially mining. Adopting new telematics technology can give numerous benefits including automated reporting, aggregated data, and access to run and idle time. Implementing telematics solutions can give mining companies a competitive advantage over competitors that are not advancing at the same rate.

MiX Insight Analyser – The platform is designed to be user-friendly and has a dynamic visual interface that analyses data directly pulled from the MiX Fleet Manager platform.

MiX Vision AI Dashcam - In-cab, driver-facing AI dashcam detects risky driver behaviour to alert the driver and fleet manager of fatigue warnings, phone usage, smoking and distracted driving which help prevent accidents.

CONTENTS

ISSUE #7

COVER PROFILE 12

TOUGH ENOUGH

ESAB is the world leader in the design, manufacture and supply of state-of-the-art welding and cutting products and services. African Mining News spoke with general manager of ESAB SA, Chris Eibl, who started the company in South Africa as a greenfield operation and has taken it to new heights.

REGULARS

08 FROM THE EDITOR

Winds of change 10 EVENTS Conferences and meetings for the African mining industry

OF

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

CREATING A BETTER WORKFORCE

If South Africa and the rest of the continent are to achieve significant economic growth, better access to high-quality and relevant skills development is a must. Training opportunities, in supporting economic growth, are essential. Knowledge and skills have increasingly become the primary determinants of the economic growth and development of the country. Training and development helps companies gain and retain top talent, increase job satisfaction and morale, improve productivity and earn more profit.

Xtract Training Services SA (Pty) Ltd took the initiative back in 2005 to assist the country and the rest of the African countries, especially in the mining industry, to create a better and quality workforce by becoming:

• An accredited training provider with the Mining Qualifications Authority;

• An ISO 9001:2015 certificated compliant company;

• A Level 1 BBBEE-compliant organisation; and

• A member of the Institute of Quarrying Southern Africa.

Over the years, Xtract Training Services SA has strategically better positioned itself to remain one of the preferred providers of education, training and development, especially in the National Certificate: Surface Rockbreaking Qualification NQF 3 based on three high-level programmes:

Examine and Make Safe Skills Programme, Blasting Assistant Skills Programme, and Blasting Practices Programme.

Xtract Training Services SA is also taking a lead in the following training programmes:

• Skills Programme: Operating Mobile Machinery;

• Skills Programme: Handling of Explosives;

• Skills Programme: Occupational Health and Safety Representative; and

• Statutory Compliance for Surface Mines and Quarries Managers.

Future focus is on developing programmes that will assist mining industry supervisors within surface and quarry mines. Programmes like National Certificate: Mining Operations NQF 4 and Mine Shift Overseer are under construction and will soon be in place. Our prices are competitive and are in line with the high-quality service offered.

Qualifications:

• Dip (HR)

• B-Tech (HR)

• QMS (Auditing)

• PHR (Duke)

• MDP (WBS)

• Cert. Train of Trainers

• Trade Test Electrician

Our training programmes are conducted at our offices in Walkerville, Gauteng, South Africa.

For more information please contact us at 010 591 4343 or 071 560 1618 or email us at info@xtract.co.za or visit our website www.xtract.co.za.

MAEMO LEVY MASHELE Managing Director

African mining news

elcome to edition 7 of African Mining News

To quote the legendary Bob Dylan, “The times, they are a-changing.” While we’re not out of the woods just yet, I’ve seen enough these past few months to subscribe to the great man’s sentiments.

ENOUGH

I had a busy May and June, shuttling between my hometown of Cape Town for the Mining Indaba, and Johannesburg for the Junior Indaba.

It was quite a trek, but an enlightening experience nonetheless. I was able to interact with a variety of businesspeople who, despite the stresses and strains of doing business in South Africa, haven’t thrown in the towel. At both events, people were smiling, networking and concluding deals.

Vastly different in scope and scale, each event had its own character.

Hosted at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, the Mining Indaba was an overwhelming experience. Busy as an ant hive, it was jam-packed with businesses from around the world. If there was ever any doubt that mining was the backbone of South Africa, this event put that notion to rest.

In contrast, the Junior Mining Indaba, hosted in the Rainbow Room at the Country Club in Johannesburg, was a more intimate affair. A succession of speakers—including legends of South African mining such as Rick Menell, Frans Baleni, Richard Spoor and May Hermanus— related their real-world experiences of working in the industry. These events have convinced me that South Africa’s mining industry, and the country as a whole, is not yet dead and buried. Yes, people, the times—they definitely are a-changing.

AFRICAN

ashley@avengmedia.co.za

THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE

ZULEK Training Specialists provides training and skills development to the mining workforce

ZULEK Training Specialists is a training & development consulting company established in 2013 in Witbank, providing underground mining & safety training to underground mines and contracting companies.

South Africa is faced with major economic challenges such as poverty and unemployment, thus skills development may serve as the main cure. ZULEK Training Specialists has a major role to play in providing training and skills development to the workforce.

The company prides itself on having a team of professionals who are highly qualified and experienced, with a thorough understanding of the operational environment.

All training is unit-standard aligned according to Mining SETA requirements. All facilitators

Website: www.zulektraining.co.za Enquiries: info@zulektraining.co.za

are certified and registered assessors; they are mining expects and highly qualified to transfer their theoretical and practical knowledge to learners. Furthermore, learning materials are customised to meet customer needs and ETQA requirements.

Training is a combination of, but not limited to the following:

• Outcome-based education;

• Unit standard based aligned as per SETA requirements;

• Operation specifics;

• Legal requirements; and

• OEM specifications

Quality assurance is governed by the company’s QMS policies and procedures as well as SETA guidelines with regard to assessment and moderation.

Scope of service:

• National Certificate in Mining Operations – Underground Coal NQF Level 3

• National Certificate: Rock breaking – Surface Excavations NQF Level 3

• Skills Programmes – Underground Coal

• Skills Programmes

– Surface Excavations

Other services include Mine Induction Design & Implementation, as well as Dover Assessment.

Current clients are Seriti Coal and Seriti Power Collieries, New Clydesdale Colliery, Jindal Mining and Mylotex-Springlake Colliery.

Email: jerry.zulu@zulektraining.co.za, emmanuel.lekatsa@zulektraining.co.za

Address: Theunis Janson Ave, Highland Square Building Office No.5 Klipfontein, Witbank, 1034

Cell: +27 799 090 551, +27 792 285 9002 Fax : +27 86 4267 628

ZULEK Training Specialists directors Emmanuel Lekatsa (left) and Jerry Zulu (right).

MEET UP

Rub shoulders and conduct business with the highflyers in the African mining industry 27 JULY

2022 Coal & Energy Transition Day

Country Club Johannesburg and online www.coalindaba.com/other-indabas/coaland-energy-transition-day

This event brings together all the key stakeholders involved in the coal and energy supply chain—from government to miners, alternative energy producers, traders, logistics providers, investors, environmental and legal experts, independent consultants and more—to discuss and debate the way forward for the coal and energy industry in southern Africa. Speakers will discuss how the coal and energy industry is changing, what the international trends are and what the future may hold.

Electra Mining Africa 2022

Johannesburg Expo Centre, South Africa www.electramining.co.za

For the last five decades, southern Africa’s largest, leading mining, electrical, automation, manufacturing, power and transport trade show has given brands the opportunity to create real connections with the people they need for effective, sustainable growth. With its proven track record for driving sales and increasing sales leads, it is the ultimate platform to showcase the latest products, services, technologies and innovation. Connect with thousands of local and international purchasing decision-makers and influencers, looking for products and services.

Battery Materials Conference 2022

Misty Hills Conference Centre, Muldersdrift, Johannesburg, South Africa www.saimm.co.za

The aim of this conference is to provide the opportunity for thought leaders in the global battery value chain to exchange ideas on recent developments in the fields of: materials and high-purity intermediates for battery components; flow-battery electrolytes; processes for the recycling of batteries; market outlook and legislative implications; and related case studies.

Hydrogen Economy Discussion

Hybrid event, venue TBC www.joburgindaba.com/other-indabas/ hydrogen-economy-discussion

The Hydrogen Economy Discussion brings together all the key players—including mining companies, original equipment manufacturers, investors, industry associations, hydrogen equipment suppliers, infrastructure providers and independent advisers—to discuss how South Africa can take advantage of its potential for producing and exporting hydrogen to create a completely new industry with significant contributions to gross domestic product and employment.

SDIMI 2022 – 10th International Conference

Windhoek Country Club & Resort, Namibia

and environmental sustainability, and related technical issues relevant to the Namibian and African mining sector and other areas around the world. This will be the first time the SDIMI Conference will be held in Africa.

Mintek, Johannesburg, South Africa and online www.saimm.co.za

CHRIS EIBL GENERAL MANAGER OF ESAB SOUTH AFRICA

TOUGH ENOUGH

ESAB offers complete welding and cutting solutions for the most demanding industries

ESAB is the world leader in the design, manufacture and supply of state-ofthe-art welding and cutting products and services. It is the only global player that has a complete offering for all welding and cutting requirements. African Mining News spoke with general manager of ESAB South Africa, Chris Eibl, about the business.

Eibl started ESAB in South Africa as a greenfield operation and has taken it to the heights it currently enjoys. From humble beginnings in 2010, the company now has branches in all the major metropoles in South Africa, an amazing team of 45 people and an extensive distributor network covering sub-Saharan Africa.

He reveals that “the origins of ESAB go back to 1904 in Sweden, when its founder Oscar Kjelberg invented the welding electrode and started ESAB as the first manufacturer of this humble welding tool.” For more than 100 years since, ESAB has been powered by the will to continuously seek new and improved ways of serving its customers.

ESAB has grown both organically and through acquisitions. Some of the brands under the ESAB umbrella include Stoody, Victor, Thermal Dynamics, Thermal Arc, GCE, Exaton (previously Sandvik Welding), TBi, Gasarc, Cigweld, HKS, AMI, Tweco and Arcair, among others.

Welding solutions are designed to improve productivity; lower

operating costs; minimise risks; and protect the safety of users and the environment. ESAB believes no two industries or projects are alike, which is why users require a partner that understands their unique challenges. Only ESAB offers complete welding and cutting solutions for the most demanding industries such as pipelines, liquefied natural gas, power generation, wind, offshore, petrochemicals, pipe mills, steel construction, mobile machinery, automotive, railway vehicles, shipbuilding and aerospace.

According to Eibl, what sets ESAB apart from other companies in this space is its “total quality product and solution offering when it comes to welding and cutting with advanced technology”.

“ We do not just talk customer focus—we live it every day.”

He is proud of the fact that the company has taken over the second spot in the southern African fabrication supply market in record time, with an unparalleled offering of welding & cutting product service solutions, spares and consumables, underpinned by superior technical and aftersales support. “We do not just talk customer focus—we live it every day. Most of the top-tier fabrication companies now use ESAB as their preferred choice.”

He goes on to explain that ESAB has five key areas underpinning its value offering.

The company:

• Enables its customers’ success—“We focus on the needs of our customers and how our product or service offering can meet those needs.”

• Recognises the value of people—“We have developed and rolled out the internal employee engagement survey that takes place twice a year, which allows our employees to rate management and the company.”

• Strives for excellence “Everything ESAB does is underpinned by highest quality standards, which ensures total peace of mind for our customers.”

• Adapts and innovates “We have recently launched WeldCloud, which is the next step in taking welding into the digital space to enable customers to understand their productivity in real time and thereby dramatically reduce their costs.”

• Does the right things “We have begun the road to carbon neutral and have already made significant progress in this regard.”

Ethical business is paramount to ESAB. “It is the cornerstone of business,” says Eibl. “There would be no point in building a business based on corruption, as the foundation would be unstable and eventually the house of cards would collapse. We have zero tolerance for unethical behaviour and corrupt practices. We simply will walk away from a deal where there is bribery and/or corruption.”

Eibl says he has faced many challenges, both in his personal and professional life. “The foundation that was laid from my early childhood through church, school, university and career is solid and unyielding. This inner strength has allowed me to adapt and overcome all adversities that have come my way.” He sees himself as a transformational

leader, in that he encourages his employees through various means he has developed over time to move beyond the immediate and find ways of overcoming obstacles and in so doing realise their full potential. He aims to be “a leader whose followers are enthused, energised, committed and hungry for more.”

With such a competent leader at the helm, ESAB South Africa is sure to continue on its path of success. Eibl adds, “With our base now well established, we will be in a great position to make the ESAB product range available to more and more discerning welding professionals. We have a very bright future ahead.”

For more information, visit www.esab.ae.

SAFETY FIRST

ESAB is strongly committed to protecting and enhancing the health and safety of the people with whom it works and the environments where they work.

Health and safety issues are especially critical to the welding process. ESAB envisions a world with no work-related injuries to its employees or people using its products.

ESAB’s Safety Data Sheet provides important information about product content, welding fumes, health and safety measures, as well as information about welding slags. All Safety Data Sheets are available for downloading at bit.ly/3klaiKE.

LIFE-CYCLE APPROACH

Sustainable development means satisfying human needs without compromising the ability for future generations to meet their needs. As a world leader in its industry, ESAB recognises its responsibility to move its processes and products and its industry toward sustainability.

ESAB has established and maintains an Environmental, Health & Safety Policy as well as a Environmental, Health & Safety Vision, and sets group objectives for key environmental aspects such as lowering energy and

water use, and eliminating hazardous substances. Its life-cycle approach enables the company to balance opportunities with risks and make choices that contribute value to its economies, natural environments and communities.

ESAB is the first global welding company to achieve allinclusive, external certification for the three key management standards: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 45001. The Environmental, Health, and Safety Management System and certification covers all activities people, and units in ESAB globally.

“Everything ESAB does is underpinned by highest quality standards”

What would your biggest fear be as a corporation? Having your entire network compromised due to a virus? Having your service interrupted due to inadequate bandwidth? Being hacked?

You are not alone in these fears, and nothing made this more apparent than during the COVID-19 lockdown. Suddenly, overnight the entire country and world was forced to work remotely, putting an immense amount of strain on company servers—whereas before, when employees were office-based, they had adequate bandwidth that served their needs.

Companies were forced to question the capacity and security of their network due to their workforce accessing their mainframe from remote locations.

Let’s unpack the problem. Most companies have an internal IT technician who is there to manage the company’s telecommunications. So when these systems ‘go down’, not only do the employees struggle but the company can lose valuable time and money. There can be many reasons this happens: faulty or damaged cables, a lack of equipment, or strain on the central processing unit as a result of heavy traffic. Similarly, this can happen when people are downloading data or in a Zoom meeting, or sharing large files and videos. This puts strain on the system’s capacity to handle data sharing between devices within a specific amount of time. In order to speed up the process, more bandwidth is needed, which translates to more cost.

As Geoff Dornan, CMC Networks chief technical officer, explains: “Everyone started streaming from home, so Internet became more important with everyone using applications like Teams and Zoom to communicate, sharing large files and logging in remotely— which affected companies’ networks and bandwidth.”

Who can’t forget the endless hours spent in Zoom meetings, leaving us feeling like we were participating in an online séance, continuously asking “Are you there?” “Can you hear me?” “Can you see me?” Something that has now become a communal joke and popular social media meme.

So what does this mean for companies? Computer network systems are designed for the convenience of the company

and its employees, so when these systems ‘go down’, the result is low productivity and loss of revenue.

“In the pre-lockdown days, we could easily put a large file or presentation onto a memory stick, walk over to the person’s desk and hand it over to them and there’s your transfer, done! But then overnight, companies were flooded with a massive influx of marketing material and emails that put their servers at risk,” says Gerrit Venter, head of product.

When we think of a traditional network, we think of where all our data and content is stored on a central server at the head office. So this means we are all logging into the company’s mainframe to access the information, documentation, use applications and systems in a secure location.

With its next-generation intelligent connectivity solutions, CMC Networks makes transitioning to the cloud simple

IS YOUR NETWORK FUTURE-READY?

If network providers such as CMC Networks hadn’t been there during the time of COVID, communication would not have been possible and business operations would have ceased.

Then when COVID suddenly hit, there were hundreds of users logging in from remote locations, and the traditional mainframe that catered for the office-based workforce now had to cater for the entire workforce that was logging in from various locations, resulting in mainframes being unable to cope.

Companies realised during the lockdown just how important it is to have a reliable, secure and trusted network service provider. CMC Networks was one of those providers that stepped up and found a way to provide network services that suited their clients’ requirements. The company provides network services across the African continent and the Middle East region, servicing 51 countries in Africa, 12 in the Middle East, and an enhanced network across North and South America, Europe, United Kingdom and Asia Pacific—making it the largest global pan-African service provider.

“If network providers such as CMC Networks hadn’t been there during the time of COVID, communication would not have been possible and business operations would have ceased,” says CEO Marisa Trisolino.

Due to her 30 years of experience in the network services industry, Trisolino was able to predict the crisis. Being based in Belgium, and commuting monthly to Johannesburg, she saw what was already going

on in Europe under lockdown. She got ahead of the curve by getting her service team equipped and set up remotely within two weeks to ensure their clients never experienced any network downtime during this period.

Trisolino started her career interning at AT&T after completing her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Business, where she honed her skills in sales, wholesale, enterprise sales and procurement and learnt about buying services for the telecoms industry. The fact that she is from South Africa and knows the market and equity players made her the perfect fit for CMC Networks where she is now entering her fifth year as CEO.

“Speed is the new currency of network services today, and we at CMC Networks are ready to help accelerate the network services for our customers,” she says proudly.

As part of the company’s dedication to this mantra, CMC Networks held a Summit on 24 May 2022 to further expand upon and introduce its services to the enterprise services market. Trisolino explains, “CMC Networks historically was a player in the enterprise space, and consequently moved into the wholesale arena, where it excelled in supporting Tier 1 operators. So, in reality, we always managed a handful of select legacy enterprise accounts, but over the past months we had several enterprise customers

knocking on our doors. I believe there are several factors that triggered this. CMC understands the African market and has the ability to support proactive monitoring at market-competitive costing. Our extensive footprint, along with our ability to understand the customers’ business and help them achieve their end goals, is what has led to a growing demand for our services in this sector.”

According to ICASA’s 2021 State of ICT Sector Report in South Africa, “During the global pandemic, digital technologies have become a critical enabler of connectivity, facilitating the continuity of our regular lives and connecting people more than ever before. As cities and countries have been asking the population to stay at home, more people have turned to their computers and smartphones as a lifeline and tools to substitute their in-person activities online. Some of the habits may continue as the ‘new normal’—or at least until a long-term solution to the current challenges is accessible to everyone. Hence, the need to access a reliable digital infrastructure has become increasingly important, and certain aspects of ICTs are critical in a period of isolation, such as increased ICT opportunities from telecoms, telemedicine, food delivery and logistics, online and contactless payments, remote learning and entertainment.”

One of the first industries to resume operations was the mining sector. Mining is a labourand heavy equipment based industry that requires operational management, health and safety, security and compliance. Mines are generally located in remote areas where connectivity is weak and historically had a poor information flow between departments. Improving communication and co-ordination between departments is essential in this day and age when it comes to safeguarding the environment and communities in the area closest to the mine, by reducing their carbon footprint. By improving their communication, they also improve health and safety standards, better workflows, boost productivity, and make better use of the natural resources.

During the CMC Networks summit, Venter broke down the challenges Africa faces when it comes to connectivity: “If you look at the layout of Africa and the way the 10 submarine cables are connected to the continent, you’ll see that roughly 45% of Africa’s population is more than 10 kilometres away from those cables. This is purely because of the fact that Africa is mostly a land-locked country and our biggest challenge is connectivity.

The drive for more bandwidth since 2017 didn’t come from the end user or service provider, but instead from content providers.”

No one can better relate to the African connectivity problem than Stuart Wilson, group IT manager at Cerba Lancet Africa, who was on hand at the summit to relay his story. Cerba Lancet Africa had always had a traditional server infrastructure, which at the time serviced its needs—but as business and branches began to open in South Africa and Africa, suddenly the demand for its services exploded due to COVID-19 testing. Cerba Lancet needed a network that had to scale up much quicker and grow with the business. “Partnering with CMC Networks and moving everything to the cloud was the only logical route because of our security needs and the importance of keeping all our data in-house, and the number of applications and systems we run with. Now, instead of all the bottlenecking at head office, we are able to break everything down at branch level and we’ve already started to see the difference,” he added.

Venter comments, “If you look at user experience and what CMC achieved through connectivity, technology and security, it’s not about which components we use

—it’s about understanding the needs of our customers, especially in this day and age of decentralised workforces.”

Another industry that was deeply affected by COVID was basic education, higher learning and training institutes worldwide. In South Africa, due to large socioeconomic inequality, communities and students in poorer and rural areas suffered the immediate effects, which in turn would have effects on their future. South Africa started by implementing new methods of learning remotely, which included the use of digital methods, printed materials, TV and radio, as well as in-person class attendance on a rotational basis.

According to the STATS SA report, “COVID-19 and barriers to participation in education in South Africa, 2020”, regarding the transformation to online learning, the following was concluded: “Even among households with some Internet access, the digital divide can be evident in the form of lowerpriced Internet use connections such as free access (public Wi-Fi has a daily cap), or limited access (at schools or workplace) with lower-performance computers, lower-speed wireless connections or limited access to subscriptionbased content. In South Africa, the GHS 2019 shows that 63% of South African households had at least one member who had access to, or used the Internet either at home or elsewhere. The highest percentage of such access was found in Gauteng and Western Cape (close to 74% each).”

One company that could relate to this was SafetySA, as Palesa Gaasenwe, chief intelligence officer, explained at the summit. SafetySA is a training company, meaning the nature of its work is very transactional and bandwidth speed is vitally important. The company realised its users were having serious performance issues. Even when it came to the simplest task like downloading a certificate would

sometimes take up to 30 minutes, so Safety SA needed to find a solution. Gaasenwe said this was a very confusing and stressful time for Safety SA because of understanding how the switch to a cloud-based system would affect its network and business. “After sitting with CMC Networks and understanding the cloud-based solution, it was the only one that made sense.”

Trisolino has a skilled team of engineers and over 200 suppliers in Africa and the Middle East that understand the requirements that need to be brought to the table. CMC Networks has the ability to implement and deliver services within 45 days across Africa and the Middle East to new clients wishing to transition to digital services.

She believes in an opendoor policy when it comes to her customers and staff, saying: “Collaboration is key to success. My door is always open and my team knows they are welcome at any time to present ideas, come up with suggestions or better ways of working. Bringing everyone together under the umbrella of teamwork is what has made CMC Networks the success it is today.”

‘Transitioning to the cloud’ is a well-known expression these days, but what exactly does it mean for companies and how does it affect their bottom line and productivity during this transition? To run an on-premises mainframe and server system requires a technical department

that is on hand to troubleshoot, fix and maintain the internal system. This means expensive software, hardware, storage, networks and backup systems; even adding and removing directory accounts and email compliance is handled by the IT department, which comes at a high cost. Businesses and organisations are beginning to see the advantages of cloudbased business environments. They can rapidly transform their operations with little capital outlay and hardware requirements, while documents and services become digital—improving productivity, saving time and reducing costs.

Warren Hero, chief information officer for Webber Wentzel, had some good advice to share with guests at the summit, regarding migrating to the cloud. “One of the simplest things is to compare where we as a company are now and where we transitioned to. When Webber Wentzel loses an hour in downtime, it equates to R11 million in South Africa alone. So, to get a network service provider that is able to understand the severity of that problem, is paramount. There are always two things I consider when I think about digital transformation: I work for a bunch of lawyers, so the first one is always cost, the second is speed. Webber Wentzel’s core business used to take them seven months—four months down the line it now takes them six weeks, just by decreasing their processing time.”

What does the future of business look like with digital and cloudbased services? This is what Techjournal had to say in a recent article: “It is not only one of the successful cloud computing trends 2022, but also the future of cloud computing 2025. Cloud computing services also contribute to the democratisation of AI by reaching a wider audience. In addition, it enables smaller enterprises to get AI-enhanced packages and advanced computational capabilities. Businesses can get something out of these technologies by combining AI and cloud services while saving money. Cloud and AI innovation and progress are inextricably linked, and these cloud computing trends in 2022 will only improve.”

And where does Trisolino see CMC Networks heading in the future? “CMC Networks will become a prominent player in this sector across Africa and the Middle East. We will be seen as the partner of choice in this sector. We work with the highest integrity and it stops there. You have to do the right thing; you have to make sure you conduct yourself in the appropriate manner.”

Dornan concludes, “CMC Networks delivers next-generation intelligent connectivity solutions across treacherous terrain. This ‘all-in-one networking’ approach provides a welcome convenience to your business and guarantees your network is future-ready.”

“...to get a network service provider that is able to understand the severity of that problem, is paramount.”

100% SUCCESS

What is the nature of the business?

Songatech (Pty) Ltd came about as a result of the research conducted by its founding members, four metallurgical engineers, who identified a need for an alternative supply of products and services of superior quality to the mining industry.

The research conducted indicated that the mining industry in South Africa was facing a challenge in the environment of everincreasing production costs in addition to labour costs, the combination of which threatened the survival of a productive industry. With this in mind, it became apparent that if the mining and other industries were to survive in this environment, any effort to cut operational costs had to be undertaken with added impetus.

Thus, Songatech was established in 2013. African Mining News spoke with CEO Vincent Masia about the company and his role.

We are a locally owned company that supplies mineral processing equipment and services. Our mission is to supply world-class quality products that can be used to achieve good performance, efficiency and availability. The lifespan of Songatech products always outperforms expectation and competition. Our key products are screen panels, steel balls, liners, pumps, motors, spirals, FeSi and many more.

What is your company philosophy?

Songatech’s philosophy is operational excellence. Our slogan is, “Putting technology together in order to achieve 100% success”. As such, we have successfully completed all projects with which we been entrusted by our clientele. We also believe in the power of knowledge, with the founding team heavily invested in mineral processing and having been involved in several mining operations within South Africa, Africa and abroad. They were later joined by mining and chemical engineers. We have also trained interns from various fields, equipping them with the necessary skills to further their careers in the mining industry.

What sets Songatech apart from other companies in your field?

Songatech is a 100% blackowned company, with all of its past and present members coming from historically disadvantage groups of the South African population. The company further competes with organisations mainly from Europe and Asia that have been in business for decades. The company remains competitive and is always challenging the norm. We also believe in youth employment and don’t only focus on hiring experienced employees.

What have been some of Songatech’s most recent

successes/highlights?

We have recently signed contracts with large mining houses based in South Africa. We are partnering with some progressive local companies for the transfer of skills and the achievement of Social and Labour Plans, particularly those that talk to transformation measures in the context of the South African economy. The company is set to open two new factories to manufacture screen panels and mill balls grinding media in 2022. Both projects are going well and we anticipate we will make the project timeline. These factories will jointly enable us to improve production volumes for the said products.

Songatech is a local black-owned company that is always challenging the norm

Tell us more about yourself —who is Vincent Masia?

I was born and raised in Malamulele in the Limpopo Province. After matriculating, I studied Metallurgical Engineering. Further qualifications include Business Management (Honours), Business Administration (Honours) and an MBA. I’m quite experienced in the mining industry, having worked for three different organisations for a combined period of 10 years before establishing Songatech. I spend most of my time reading, doing marketing research and finding ways to do things better. This is very critical for Songatech, in order to attract clients and take space in the global market share for mineral processing products.

What has been your biggest career achievement to date?

Working as a plant superintendent at Samancor Chrome for nearly six years. This was very exciting for a 25-year-old to be in such a position of influence at the time. It was a true test of character, both

from a work and social point of view. There is no doubt that this was the defining moment for my decision to later create Songatech.

Tell us about your journey as CEO of Songatech. It has been quite challenging because small and medium organisations are not trusted like large organisations. Most of the opportunities take time to realise because there is a lot of red tape by most mining organisations and favouritism toward existing manufacturers and suppliers. There is also a reluctance on the part of well-established mining companies to give new companies opportunities. It is still a constant fight to get opportunities, as many customers are not open to change. Access to capital has also been a major issue, with funding institutions being slow and mostly affected by the current global crisis. Nevertheless, it has been the most exciting years of my career in the mining industry and I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.

Our mission is to supply worldclass quality products that can be used to achieve good performance, efficiency and availability.

What other challenges have you faced, and how have you handled these?

There is an element of racism encountered from time to time, particularly from procurement departments at different mining houses. We have trained ourselves to combat such and always report any wrongdoing to the relevant departments at those mines. We also deal with challenges from communities where we conduct business. As a result, we always consider opportunities to empower companies around mining communities. We have thus far incubated at least two companies from different parts of South Africa and we are growing with them.

How would you describe your leadership style?

I am all for visibly felt leadership, and that people should practise what they preach. I strongly believe that leaders must be people of honesty, integrity and transparency. Also very important is for a leader to picture him/ herself on the global spectrum because our actions are mostly influencing and affecting the world in which we live.

It is still a constant fight to get opportunities, as many customers are not open to change.

What goals have you set for yourself as CEO?

I wish to grow Songatech into a larger organisation that will employ thousands of employees around the globe. I also wish to develop to a point where I’m beyond fit to run a much larger organisation. To obtain a doctorate in business management studies in the future. For the manufacturing capabilities at Songatech to be improved to a point where we are the largest factory in the world. To participate in initiatives that assist people and communities.

What does the future hold for Songatech?

We see ourselves as future industry leaders in the manufacturing and supply of mineral products and services. We will have full-scale operations in Africa before we take our products to other parts of the world. From where we stand, we don’t see the future of the mining industry without Songatech and vice versa. We will also endeavour to participate with all relevant institutions and organisations to enhance the mining industry

and work toward its sustainable development. In so doing, we commit to green technology initiatives and programmes to ensure longevity of the industry and zero harm to the environment and Mother Earth.

Anything else you would like to add?

Africa has been left behind by approximately 500 years wasted to slavery and racial segregation. I look forward to a world that will give Africans a fair chance at life. All of us have been robbed of what Africa could have offered the world if given a chance to fairly participate in the global markets. We remain the largest consumer of goods which we don’t manufacture ourselves. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is making things even worse because we are still playing catchup. I wish for the leaders in business, religion and politics to unite and play their role well so the entire world could participate in global economy.

For more information, visit www.songatech.co.za.

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We can help your mining business optimise its healthcare o ering by ensuring long-term sustainability and quality healthcare outcomes for a productive workforce. Providing a high-quality yet a ordable healthcare solution is a crucial part of our comprehensive service o ering to you as a mining client.

COMPLIANCE MATTERS

We understand that you may need to comply with mining and labour legislation to ensure that health and safety risks are appropriately managed, while also protecting and enhancing the wellness of employees, contractors and the surrounding community. That's why we partner with you to help you meet your business objectives and Mining Charter requirements.

WE DO THIS THROUGH:

A seamless solution, integrating the various service components

Tried and tested IT systems, which serve as highly capable and reliable platforms for the successful management and administration of client data

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A "brains trust" of experienced professionals with extensive knowledge in managing and providing employer-based healthcare services

COVID-19

We know the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new challenges within our country. Through our innovative, solution-seeking approach, we can provide you with the support you need to manage your safety protocols to ensure the safety of your people.

For more information about our services, please contact: shamila.fakie@afrocentric-ics.com

NEW

OPPORTUNITIES

African mining is beginning to feel the benefits of the Fourth Industrial Revolution

The digital age is set to disrupt the lives of individuals, communities, but particularly organisations. Mines are no exception to this rule, with far-reaching implications and important opportunities. Mines on the African continent need to be aware of both the impending changes to their business, and of the impact of those changes to the societies in which they operate.

According to Deloitte, over the past five years African mines have navigated a commodity price downturn, challenging

labour conditions, regulatory changes, upward cost pressures and unpredictable international politics. The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has emerged during this, presenting new opportunities and challenges for mining companies.

Furthermore, regulatory changes and societal impacts require mines to become not merely compliant, but to adopt smarter ways of deriving value from regulation, while ensuring mutual benefit to the surrounding communities and environments in which they

operate. New skills, a changing workforce, organisational restructuring, and adoption of new technologies are all important to navigate in this era.

Emergent opportunities from 4IR for mining companies include what a digital mine will look like and the future of working at a digitally enabled mine. Covering incremental improvements to existing challenges through digital infrastructure and improved planning and decision making, these changes will drive competitive innovation and sustainable mining practices.

Insights into the benefits of 4IR

Last year, PwC and the Minerals Council South Africa launched the report, “10 Insights into 4IR: The state of digital transformation in the South African mining industry”. The report highlighted that the South African mining industry was increasingly making use of innovative technologies to run more efficient operations, to manage risk, to improve health and safety, and reduce the cost of maintenance and extraction, as well as pursuing a skills uplift.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the digitisation of the work process, as well as the adoption of automation and other innovative tools in the mining industry. These are some of the key findings from the jointly issued report by PwC and the Minerals Council South Africa. It was compiled with the aim of gaining an understanding of how the mining industry visualises the impact of the 4IR on its people, processes and technologies; how they perceive the evolution of 4IR on their businesses in the years to come; and what steps they are taking to transform their businesses in anticipation of these changes.

“Adoption of innovations emerging out of the 4IR did not go into lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Minerals Council CEO Roger Baxter says. “In fact, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the application of 4IR technologies, helping Minerals Council members and others to manage the pandemic more effectively.

“South African mining needs 4IR. We need to be globally competitive on costs and on environmental, social and governance issues. Over the last decade, multi-factor productivity in South Africa has fallen by 7.6%.

Mining cost inflation was two to three percent higher annually than general inflation, leading to two-thirds of our output being on the upper half of the global

mining cost curve. Mining output declined by 10% and minerals sales contracted by 11%.

“The Minerals Council advocates a people-centric, 4IR-enabled approach to modernisation of the sector. With the elevated levels of unemployment, poverty and inequality, a pure technologyfocused approach will not be socially acceptable. It is hence encouraging that this report does not only focus on technological issues but also on issues related to culture and the upskilling and/or reskilling of the workforce,” he adds.

Pieter Theron, PwC partner in advisory services and head of Industry 4.0 South Africa, explains that digital is a pivotal gamechanger in the mining industry. “It is disrupting mining operations and business models and, in some instances, changing the entire fabric of the mining industry.”

He continues, “According to our research, some mining companies consider themselves as digital champions and innovators that will pilot innovative technologies without waiting for others to prove it first. New technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, robotic process automation, smart sensors, big data analytics, 3D printing, and machine learning will all boost productivity in the mining industry. In the process, mining companies will need to look at ways to upskill their workforces to work in this new world, as it will require new skills to unlock the benefits of digital transformation.”

The force of positive disruption

According to Professor Ronny Webber-Youngman, the head of the department of Mining Engineering at the University of Pretoria and a council member

of the International Council of the Society of Mining Professors, the term ‘disruptive’ has a positive slant where it means the use of technology to disrupt the historical or traditional way of doing things and replace it with new technologies and approaches.

“The mine of the near future will include remote control of most activities; autonomous or nearautonomous driverless vehicles (improved safety, mine design holography, real-time monitoring and real-time response and interventions in ensuring safe and healthy working environments with automated critical control interventions); 3D printing of designs; and an emphasis on non-technical skills as part of the curriculum,” he explains. “The mine of the near future will make full use of Extended Reality (XR) technology—a coming together of virtual, augmented and mixed reality and 4IR solutions as part of a strategic intervention in dealing with mining-, industry- and educational-related challenges.”

With incredible opportunities in the 4IR and the challenges these opportunities bring, the future is now. Those who are prepared will successfully navigate a revolution. The pace of digital change and the advent of the 4IR has come to bear in the mining industry. Innovations will not only improve safety and operational efficiency but become a cornerstone of future competition through automation and disruptive innovation. Regulatory changes further demand that this innovation is balanced within the socioeconomic environments that mines operate.

Mark Venables Consultant at African Mining Indaba

The mine of the near future will include remote control of most activities

LET’S GET TOGETHER

AT ELECTRA MINING AFRICA 2022

As the sponsor of this year’s exhibitor lounge at Electra Mining Africa, SYSPRO invites you to make connections that matter with individuals from key industries including mining, transport and manufacturing.

Whether you need a comfortable space to network with people face to face or just want to take some time out from the trade show, our stand will provide the perfect environment together with complimentary Wi-Fi, meeting areas, snacks and refreshments.

We look forward to seeing you there!

EVENT

Mining Indaba has become a platform for senior government officials and mining ministry leaders from across Africa

Returning as an in-person event after two years, this year’s Investing in African Mining Indaba (www.MiningIndaba.com) took place between 9 and 11 May 2022 and welcomed 6 570 attendees to the Cape Town International Convention Centre in South Africa. With a track record of bringing together senior government representatives, mining companies, investors, professional services, and mining equipment and service providers from across the world, the Mining Indaba is the largest mining-related event on the continent.

Hyve Group PLC’s Africa Portfolio head of marketing, Dr Alex Mswaka, attributed

the strong attendance to the participation of high-profile lineup speakers and the phenomenal content programme. He adds that with a thriving mining industry looking set to achieve rapid growth over the short term, people are ready to get back to doing business face-toface—and it was positive to see the industry reunite after a long period of being apart.

Highlights of the event included a keynote address by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of Botswana Dr Mokweetsy Eric Keabetswe Masisi, newly elected President of the Republic of Zambia Hakainde Hichilema, and Prime Minister of the DRC JeanMichel Sama Lukonde Kyenge.

The attendance of these highprofile speakers signals the continued importance of mining to the African economy as a cornerstone creator of value through investment, procurement, job creation and community investment, as well as its contribution to the fiscus.

Through this year’s overarching theme—“Evolution of African Mining: Investing in the Energy Transition, ESG and the Economies”—the metals and minerals sector examined the new challenges, opportunities and strategies being embraced by the industry amid climate change concerns, the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine–Russia conflict and the drive toward a just transition.

Mining Indaba has become a platform for senior government officials and mining ministry leaders from across Africa and beyond to convey policy reform, industry opportunities, innovation, and better position their countries to attract investment.

Key government attendees included South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe; the US State Department Under-Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment, Jose Fernandez; and the Central African Republic’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Rufin Benam Beltoungou.

The world’s largest African mining investment event played host to speakers and panellists from across the industry to

explore how the sector— encompassing mine operators, investors and society—can thrive amid decarbonisation, technological advances and the current economics.

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) imperatives took a prominent role on the main stage in 2022, featuring panel sessions with financial organisations and industry bodies, including the International Council on Mining and Metals, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, the United Nations, and the World Gold Council. Speakers explored and shared lessons on the progress made in mining’s ESG-focused investment environment, opportunities in the battery metals sector, advances in

technology, the potential hydrogen economy and how COP26 will shape the future of mining.

The event also introduced hotly anticipated new elements including the first-ever Research and Innovation Battlefield, a dedicated Infrastructure & Supply Chain Forum and, following the acquisition of 121 Group, a bespoke investor meetings programme as part of the Mining Indaba experience.

Hyve Group PLC’s Africa portfolio director Simon Ford says that if the 121 Mining Investment Cape Town registrations are taken into account, attendance to the 2022 Mining Indaba was well over 7 500 delegates.

www.MiningIndaba.com

From left to right: Prime Minister of the DRC, Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge; President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema; President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa; President of Botswana, Dr Mokgweetsi EK Masisi

With a thriving mining industry looking set to achieve rapid growth over the short term, people are ready to get back to doing business face-to-face

POWER POINT

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) can leverage its abundant cobalt resources and hydroelectric power to become a low-cost and low-emissions producer of lithium-ion battery cathode precursor materials.

At the behest of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Afreximbank, the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), the African Legal Support Facility (ALSF), and the UN

Global Compact, a new study by BloombergNEF (BNEF) on a unified African supply chain estimates it would cost $39 million to build a 10 000 metric-tonne cathode precursor plant in the DRC. This is three times cheaper than what a similar plant in the United States would cost. A similar plant in China and Poland would cost an estimated $112 million and $65 million, respectively. Precursor material produced at plants in the DRC could be cost competitive with material produced in China and Poland, but with a lower environmental footprint.

The DRC could become a favourable destination for the manufacturing of sustainable materials used in high-nickel batteries

Emissions associated with battery production could be cut by 30% compared with the existing supply chain that runs through China, if cathode precursor materials (the intermediate material between raw and finished cathode material) were produced in the DRC, with Poland handling the production of cathode materials and cells, and Germany the final pack assembly. This is due to the DRC’s proximity to cathode raw materials and heavy reliance on hydroelectric power plants.

“The DRC’s cost competitiveness comes from its relatively cheap access to land and low engineering, procurement and construction, or EPC, cost compared to the US, Poland and China,” said Kwasi Ampofo, lead author of the report and BNEF’s head of metals and mining. “European cell manufacturers currently rely heavily on China for battery precursors. However, the raw materials for batteries are, in most cases, imported into China from Africa and refined before being exported to Europe. Automakers in Europe can lower their emissions by shortening the transport distance and capitalising on the DRC’s hydroelectric powered grid and proximity to raw materials.”

Electric vehicles represent a $7-trillion market opportunity between today and 2030, and $46 trillion between today and 2050, according to the report: “The Cost of Producing Battery Precursors in the DRC”, launched at the DRC–Africa Business Forum 2021 in November last year. While there are notable leading electricvehicle and cell manufacturers today, the sheer scale of growth expected in the coming decades means there is inherent uncertainty over which companies and countries may come to dominate this new value chain. African countries could play a major role in the lithium-ion battery supply chain by taking advantage of their abundant natural resources and onshoring more of the value chain. James Frith, head of energy storage at BNEF, said: “For regions to successfully attract battery component or cell manufacturing, they need to have either a supply of key raw materials or local demand for batteries. If they have access to raw materials, they can use this supply to attract downstream manufacturers. If they have local demand for batteries, cell manufacturers will move to the region to be close to their customers, particularly in the automotive industry.

Precursor material produced at plants in the DRC could be cost competitive with material produced in China and Poland

“Africa has a wealth of critical battery raw materials and is in a position to use these to attract more value-add in downstream processing and manufacturing.”

Stated Ashish Sethia, global head of commodities at BNEF: “We are only at the beginning of the path to achieving net-zero emissions globally. Emerging economies in Africa can gain significant long-term economic value by quickly setting up projects that support the lowcarbon transition with transparent governance frameworks.”

“We are into the Decade of Action, and with only nine years left to deliver on the SDGs [Sustainable Development Goals],” said Vera Songwe, UN Under-Secretary General and Executive Secretary of the ECA. “The Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the largest trading bloc globally, provides a compelling case for the Democratic Republic of Congo to leverage its and Africa’s abundant mineral and clean energy resources to become a growth pole of the global clean energy transition and inclusive resilient development that leaves no one behind.

“The DRC produces about 70% of global cobalt, but captures just 3% of the battery and electric vehicle value chain.

SPIRIT OF THE PLACE

For Loci Environmental, each location’s atmosphere is the motivation behind the work the company does there

Loci Environmental (Pty) Ltd is a company name inspired by the Latin “genius loci”, meaning “sense of place/ spirit of the place”. The concept drives our company methodology and best practice, ensuring every location’s distinctive atmosphere is the motivating force behind the work we do and the designs we create. We strive to ensure each project is addressed specifically in relation to, and with appreciation of, its unique location— and we place emphasis on the use of environmentally sound principles and long-term sustainability.

Loci is a Botswana-based environmental consultancy with expertise in all aspects of environmental consulting, assessment, management, environmental engineering, and development studies. The company was registered in Botswana in 1998 and has continued to grow over the years. With new consultants, a growing depth of local knowledge, a continually growing network of leading regional sub-consultants and added years of experience in southern Africa.

Loci has a wealth of experience in Botswana and Malawi, but has also successfully completed projects in Lesotho, Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Loci has a strong team of strategic partners and specialists throughout southern Africa to further support these activities.

Loci has completed and is currently involved in some of the most significant mining, exploration and energy projects in Botswana.

Contact details: Tel/Fax: + 267 393 0538 E-mail: admin@loci.co.bw Website: www.loci.co.bw

Our services

Loci offers expert consulting services in the following fields:

• Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

• Environmental Screening and Risk Assessment

• Strategic Environmental Assessment

• Environmental Guidelines and Policies

• Environmental and Social Governance

• Environmental Due Diligence

• Environmental Monitoring and Auditing

• Biodiversity Assessment and Management Plans

• Social Assessment and Management Plans

• Waste Assessment and Management Plans

• Landscape Architecture

• Landscape and Visual Assessment

• Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety Consulting

• Closure and Rehabilitation Planning

Our clients

Some of our mining and energy clients/projects include:

• Khoemacau Copper Mining (copper/silver mine)

• Sandfire Resources (Motheo Mine and other exploration projects)

• Giyani Metals (manganese mine and other exploration projects)

• Morupule Coal Mine (opencast coal mine)

• African Energy Resources (Mmamabula West Coal Mine and Power Station)

• Botswana Power Corporation (Morupule A and B updates, proposed PV solar power plants, and various transmission and distribution power lines)

• Akuo Energy (PV solar power plants)

• Various exploration companies

With a functioning AfCFTA, the DRC can receive other upstream mineral inputs needed for lithiumion batteries—such as manganese from, say, South Africa and Madagascar, copper from Zambia, graphite from Mozambique and Tanzania, phosphate from Morocco, and lithium from Zimbabwe, to name but a few.”

Songwe continued, “The DRC can truly become the regional and global centre of gravity for the production of precursor materials for batteries to drive the Fourth Industrial Revolution. In so doing, the country and the rest of Africa can extend their access from the US$271-billion battery precursor segment to the more lucrative US$1.4-trillion combined battery cell production and cell assembly segments of the battery minerals global value chain. This requires plenty of reliable and affordable power, which can be achieved by connecting Africa’s power systems with the Grand Inga at the core and with wind and solar power from North African countries, the Sahel and South Africa, geothermal from East Africa, hydro from Central and West Africa. But, to reap these benefits, African leaders must make the commitment to facilitate the needed investments and make the AfCFTA deliver for the continent.”

Commented Dr Sidi Ould Tah, director-general of BADEA: “As substantiated by the BloombergNEF report, the prospect of the expanding the value chain of development of lithium-ion batteries and electric vehicles value chains to DRC and Africa is both financially and environmentally appealing.

“BADEA stands ready to mobilise its own resources to finance investment projects around this critical

value chain in DRC and around the continent. We are also eager to mobilise our partners from the Arab Co-ordination Group, as well as from public and private investors from the Arab countries.”

AfDB president, Dr Akinwumi A. Adesina, said: “The BloombergNEF report reinforces what we have consistently advocated: Africa’s mineral resources must be utilised for the development of the continent. That requires a radical change from dependency on the export of raw commodities, with very little or no value addition. Manufacturing battery precursors will add value to our mineral resources, grow renewable energy technologies, accelerate industrialisation, light up and power Africa, and create jobs for millions of young Africans.”

As a first step, the Centre of

Excellence for Advanced Battery Research was officially launched on 22 April 2022 in Lubumbashi by the DRC’s Minister of Industry, Julien Paluku Kahongya. “This great ambitious project aims not only to capture a significant share of the world market for electric cars valued at more than US$8 trillion but also to help the DRC become the leading producer of electric batteries by 2030–2040, as it is, today, the world’s leading producer of cobalt,” the minister emphasised.

Professor Gilbert Kishiba, Chancellor of the University of Lubumbashi, emphasised the readiness of his institution— through its polytechnic schools and related laboratories and pilot plant—to host the Centre of Excellence on Battery Skills, underlining the benefits of it being a regional node for science, technology and innovations at national and regional levels.

United Nations Economic Commission for Africa www.uneca.org

Artisanal cobalt miners in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

LIGHTS ON

Africa’s energy transition: finding the right mix to drive economic prosperity

While Africa is rich in renewable energy sources, it must also lift nearly half a billion people out of poverty

There is a saying: “Oil and water don’t mix.”

While that may be true on a metaphysical level, it is not true when it comes to Africa’s energy needs.

With the population of the continent expected to double by 2100, this creates a daunting energy challenge, combined with rising expectations of improved resilience and sustainability. Finding a sustainable way to meet growing energy needs is one of the core development challenges.

While Africa is rich in renewable energy sources, it must also lift nearly half a billion people out of poverty, according to the United Nations (bit.ly/3KopdPH). Decisions on the right energy mix will have far-reaching consequences. Endowed with both hydrocarbons and substantial renewable energy resources, Africa can adopt innovative, sustainable technologies and play a leading role in global action to shape a sustainable energy future.

Supporting a renewable future for Africa

Renewables provide the chance for Africa to leapfrog to a sustainable, prosperous future. Increasing access to reliable, affordable and clean energy resources is a key priority, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Around 600 million people in Africa still have no access to power, representing 48% of the continent’s population of nearly 1.2 billion.

Accelerated deployment of renewables creates jobs and brings health benefits. The renewable energy sector today employs 10.3 million people worldwide. With far-sighted industrial policies and targeted skills development, millions of new jobs can be created in Africa.

Doubling the share of renewables by 2030 would create additional economic value by

increasing global gross domestic product by up to 1.1%. This would signify a 3.7% improvement in global welfare and jobs for more than 24 million people in the renewable energy sector. This would enable further economic benefits such as improved healthcare services, especially in the most remote areas.

Supply unreliability is a concern holding back economic development, with most countries facing frequent blackouts.

According to the “Scaling Up Renewable Energy Deployment in Africa” report from the International Renewable Energy Agency, Africa could meet nearly a quarter of its energy needs from indigenous and clean renewable energy by 2030.

Modern renewables amounting to 310GW could provide half the continent’s total electricity generation capacity. This corresponds to a sevenfold increase from the capacity currently available, which amounted to 42GW. A transformation of this scale in Africa’s energy sector would require an average annual investment of $70 billion to 2030, resulting in carbon dioxide emissions reductions of up to 310 mega-tonnes per annum.

Meanwhile, hydrocarbons will continue to supply the remainder of Africa’s energy needs until such a time that green energy forms the basis of the continent’s power demands. Of course, carbon-based fuels are increasingly undesirable.

Africa could meet nearly a quarter of its energy needs from indigenous and clean renewable energy by 2030

www.discoverydrilling.co.za

BOTSWANA

Tel: +26 7 396 0053 Fax: +26 7 396 0143

E-mail: kowie@discoverydrilling.co.bw

SOUTH AFRICA

Tel: +27 14 573 3444/666

E-mail: admin@discoverydrilling.co.za

Africa

However, it must be remembered that Africa produces less than 3.8% of the planet’s greenhouse gases. When it comes to climate change, Africa has the smallest footprint globally.

According to the late global health expert and statistician Hans Rosling, the richest billion people contribute to over half of all carbon emissions (bit.ly/3KwNd30). This puts the responsibility for reduced carbon emissions squarely in the court of developed countries.

Signs of hope

In West Africa, the new Regional Electricity Access and BatteryEnergy Storage Technologies Project, supported with $465 million from the World Bank Group, will increase grid connections in fragile areas of the Sahel, build the capacity of the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority, and strengthen the West Africa Power Pool (WAPP) network operation with batteryenergy storage technologies infrastructure. This is a pioneering move that makes way for increased renewable energy generation, transmission and investment across the region.

Over the past decade, the World Bank has financed close to $2.3 billion of investments in infrastructure and reforms in support of WAPP—considered the key to achieving universal access to electricity by 2030 in the 15 ECOWAS countries. This new project builds on progress and will finance

civil works to accelerate access in Mauritania, Niger and Senegal.

Last year, the World Bank approved a $500-million International Development Association credit to support Ethiopia’s goal of achieving universal electricity access by 2025. Over the past decade, the government of Ethiopia has made encouraging progress on its electrification programme and expanded the grid network coverage to nearly 60% of towns and villages. Despite this progress, Ethiopia has the third largest energy access deficit in subSaharan Africa, with more than half the population still without access to reliable electricity— especially in deep-rural areas that are dependent on biomass and kerosene. The electricity deficit in Ethiopia continues to exacerbate the poverty situation, preventing far too many people from fulfilling their basic socio-economic needs and limiting access to opportunity.

Conclusion

Africa cannot follow the same energy path as the developed world, nor can it afford to ignore its natural energy resources in favour of green energy solutions if it is to meet its economic and social upliftment goals.

As the lowest contributor to climate change, Africa must be given the latitude to develop a just and equitable energy mix of hydrocarbons and renewables to achieve economic growth, reduce child mortality and improve social upliftment in her nation states.

Patrick Conroy and Mark Venables

On behalf of Hyve Group

could meet nearly a quarter of its energy

GREY AREAS

The new Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining and Mine Community Resettlement Guidelines need more refinement

On 30 March 2022, the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe published the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) Policy 2022 and the Mine Community Resettlement Guidelines 2022. Although they do not directly mention ESG (environmental, social and governance), both policy documents illustrate the desired integration of ESG standards in the mining sector. The regulator is attempting to provide mining companies, junior miners and other smaller entrants into the mining sector with guidelines and tools on ASM and resettlement of mine communities to assist them to fulfil their ESG obligations.

Resettlement for mining is not a new phenomenon.

The ASM Policy

Currently, mining laws in South Africa do not regulate ASM as a discrete form of mining. Instead, a mining permit that is less onerous than a mining right can be obtained, but ASM miners still struggle to meet its requirements.

The ASM Policy aims to create a formal ASM industry that can operate in a sustainable manner and contribute to the economy, and it also aims to deter illegal mining. The ASM Policy is very similar to that published for public comment on 5 May 2021. It goes further than Section 27 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 2002 (MPRDA), which deals with mining permits and does not specifically address ASM. In the ASM Policy, the department has opted to create a new system by introducing new permits. Consequently, legislative changes will be needed to enable the implementation of the ASM Policy.

Notably, the ASM Policy introduces formal definitions for artisanal and small-scale mining, setting out monetary thresholds to differentiate between artisanal (maximum of R1 million) and small-scale (maximum R10 million) miners. It also distinguishes between illegal mining, which is a criminal activity, and ASM, for which an ASM permit is required.

Policies promoting the growth, sustainability and development of the ASM industry are welcomed to untap the development potential in this unregulated field, but the following points need further consideration:

• The extent to which ASM permits are capped e.g. mining permits are limited to a five-hectare area, but the ASM Policy does not cap ASM permits. This could lead to an abuse of the system where holders of these ASM permits use them as a ‘back door’ to obtain less onerous rights over large tracts of land. This concern is bolstered by the ‘graduation’ principle in the ASM Policy—a dual licensing method, where the existing ‘first come, first served’ system will coexist with an invitation system. This is not in itself problematic. However, the criteria for this invitation system remains unclear.

• ASM operators and large-scale operators are encouraged to co-exist, through the use of instruments such as tributing agreements. These agreements appear to be similar to a lease and may need further review to ensure they provide equitable terms for the ASM operators and large-scale operations.

• Given that ASM currently falls outside the legislation governing

mining in South Africa, all the statutory obligations that lead to the suspension and cancellation of a right are in the governing legislation (the MPRDA) and there is a danger that largescale operators with tributing agreements over their mining areas could be held accountable for damage and loss which they did not cause. It is not clear whether these tributing agreements are provided for under South African law and whether they would require the consent of the minister in terms of section 11 of the MPRDA.

• The policy empowers the minister to designate certain areas for ASM. It is unclear whether this means those areas would still be available for larger scale mining, and whether existing mining rights on those areas will be considered.

• The ASM Policy contemplates that ASMs will have access to historic residues and stockpiles, but the MPRDA and common law limits the minister’s jurisdiction over stockpiles created before the MPRDA came into effect. In practice, those dumps have common law owners and this could present an awkward situation for ASM permit holders, where a permit is being allocated over a dump that is not regulated by the MPRDA.

The ASM Policy does, however, introduce positive changes. It provides structure to the ASM industry and, as it becomes formalised and pays taxes, the ASM industry will be able to contribute to poverty alleviation and economic growth. Another positive aspect of this document, which differs from the circulated draft, is that ASM may mostly be limited to surface and opencast mining. Since underground operations are by nature more dangerous and capital-intensive, this is a welcome approach.

Gwede Mantashe - Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

The Resettlement Guidelines

Unlike many other industries, mining is site-specific, and the physical and economic displacement of persons or a community is sometimes an unavoidable part of the exploration and mining of mineral resources. Resettlement for mining is not a new phenomenon. It is a global issue that has attracted the attention of international bodies such as the International Labour Organisation and the International Council on Mining and Metals, both of which have published guidance documents.

The Resettlement Guidelines outline the process for applicants and holders of prospecting and mining rights or mining permits to follow when their operations require the physical resettlement of landowners, lawful occupiers, holders of informal land rights, and mine and host communities. It also applies to both new operations and existing mines that are expanding, and is intended to apply throughout the life cycle of the operation, whenever resettlement is necessary.

The Resettlement Guidelines propose meaningful consultation (as defined) with all interested and affected parties (including traditional authorities, land claimants, non-governmental organisations, communitybased organisations and the local municipality), followed by a Resettlement Plan, Resettlement Action Plan and Resettlement Agreement. Once it has been signed, the Resettlement Agreement must be submitted to the DMRE. Very importantly, the Resettlement Guideline envisages that mining cannot commence until the Resettlement Agreement is concluded, which contradicts the MPRDA and fails to take into account the rights and obligations that holders of rights have to commence mining operations.

Another important issue that may be encountered in implementing the Resettlement Guidelines is that there are practical challenges in determining who constitutes a community and how to obtain the requisite consent for such an agreement, especially when there are factions within community groups. Clearer direction on how to obtain valid consents and what constitutes a ‘community’ are needed.

The Resettlement Guidelines explicitly state that any compensation must be clearly distinguished from other obligations that miners may have (set out in its Social and Labour Plans).

While both of these documents represent progress in the social sphere of mining, they need more refinement to address some of the issues we have raised. Importantly, their adoption requires statutory amendments and alignment to streamline them and provide for the processes they contemplate.

Nomsa Mbere and Jaqui Pinto Webber Wentzel

The ASM Policy aims to create a formal ASM industry that can operate in a sustainable manner and contribute to the economy, and it also aims to deter illegal mining.

DRILLING FOR SUCCESS

Namibia kickstarts oil boom with sizeable 2022 discoveries

Namibia’s vast natural resources are estimated at 11 billion barrels of oil and 2.2 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves. Representing one of Africa’s final frontiers for oil and gas exploration, Namibia’s rich offshore basins are spurring the appetite of regional and international oil companies (IOCs) alike, leading to a succession of sizeable oil and gas discoveries that will usher in a new era of enhanced exploration and production for the southern African country.

Shell’s Graff-1 discovery

The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR)—alongside partners Shell Namibia Upstream BV and Qatar Energy—announced the discovery of sizeable quantities of light oil in both primary and secondary targets at the Graff-1 well offshore Namibia in late February 2022, ushering in a new era of hydrocarbon exploration and production for the country. This discovery, coupled with the country’s favourable regulatory environment, is set to create an influx in new investment, while further positioning Namibia as a highly competitive and increasingly lucrative upstream destination.

TotalEnergies Orange Basin discovery

International oil major TotalEnergies has also been embarking on a series of exploration activities in Namibia. Only a few weeks after Shell announced its discovery, the French multinational made a significant discovery of light oil with associated gas on the Venus prospect, which is located in Block 2913B in the Orange Basin offshore southern Namibia. Both Shell and TotalEnergies’ discoveries have not only demonstrated the significant potential of Namibia’s offshore basins but are expected to spark even more international and regional interest in Namibia’s upstream market while making a strong case for oil and gas exploration in Africa in 2022 and beyond.

ReconAfrica’s participating interest expansion

Canadian independent exploration company Reconnaissance Energy Africa (ReconAfrica), has entered into an agreement with NAMCOR to increase its participating interest in the Kavango Basin, enabling the company to expand exploration in the high-potential market. Having signed a Letter of Intent, whereby ReconAfrica will acquire 5% of NAMCOR’s carried participating interest, the Canadian independent is committed to exploring Namibia’s 6.3-million-acre petroleum exploration licence.

In 2021, the company commenced with the drilling of three conventional exploratory stratigraphic wells, announcing preliminary results in April 2021 which revealed the discovery of a working petroleum system in the Kavango Basin. Similarly, in June 2021, ReconAfrica drilled the second well, which showed similar characteristics to that of the first. Thereafter, the company has progressed with the drilling of wells three and four as well as 2D seismic surveying, as it hopes to discover significant resources in the high-opportune basin.

Sizeable oil and gas discoveries will usher in a new era of enhanced exploration and production for the southern African country

So what will these discoveries mean for Namibia and its people? Firstly, regarding the country’s energy future, the discovery is set to usher in a wave of new investment across the entire energy value chain. With the country’s energy sector considerably undeveloped, capital injections in key industries such as infrastructure, power generation and distribution, and production will soon follow as investors turn an eye to this highpotential market. Secondly, once developed, discoveries will significantly improve energy security in a nation that relies heavily on petroleum imports and intermittent hydropower.

What’s more, the discovery will serve as a catalyst for enhanced economic growth in the southern African nation through job creation across the entire value chain; the creation and establishment of various domestic companies; while

initiating growth across various sub-sectors of the economy, including but not limited to transportation and education. This will be critical for the country as it pursues an economic recovery in a post COVID-19 landscape.

“Namibia has already made a strong play for investment at continental energy conferences such as African Energy Week 2021. Now, backed by these exciting discoveries, the country is well positioned to drive new investment

and development across its energy landscape,” states NJ Ayuk, executive chairperson of the African Energy Chamber. “Namibia has a lot to offer investors—and with opportunities across the hydrocarbon, green hydrogen, renewables and power sectors, the country has emerged as a competitive investment destination in 2022.”

African Energy Chamber energychamber.org

SEISMIC SHIFT

It would be fair to say that when it comes to Africa’s energy industry, Africa and Europe have been at odds for the last several years.

Europe, which has valid concerns about protecting the climate and moving the world toward net-zero emissions goals, has been urging African oil- and gas-producing states not only to accelerate their transition to green energy sources but also to send it into overdrive. The general sentiment in the European Union (EU) is that the time for new oil and gas projects in Africa has passed.

African oil & gas producers and the African Energy Chamber have been outspoken in our objection to European environmental groups, leaders and financial institutions interfering in our energy industry, particularly when it discourages funding for new African petroleum projects. We even called for a boycott last July of European firms that cut off African oil and gas investments.

As you may expect, African countries have been equally frustrated with the EU’s interference. They are less than keen about turning their

backs on the benefits their fossil fuel resources have to offer, particularly natural gas. When you consider that natural gas can ease the continent’s widespread energy poverty, help provide reliable electricity for nearly 600 million people in subSaharan Africa without reliable electricity, and be monetised to create the funds Africa will need for a successful energy transition, it is easy to see why.

Nevertheless, the EU has been relentless in its push to halt Africa’s natural gas production. Until recently, that is.

Today, the world is starting to recognise the critical role Africa’s vast natural gas resources could play in meeting Europe’s needs.

A seismic shift began late last year when Europe was faced with rising commodity prices and low natural gas supplies. Output from renewables was not able to fill the gap, making coal use a necessary evil to meet their needs. European leaders started recognising that the increased use of natural gas, which emits the least carbon dioxide of all fossil fuels, was their best strategy for sustainably protecting Europe’s energy security in the short term. By early 2022, the EU declared that natural gas (along with nuclear power) can be considered green energy —as long as it emits less than 270 grammes of carbon dioxide per kilowatt-hour.

Perspectives evolved further after Russia invaded Ukraine in February. Currently, the EU relies on Russia for 45% of its imported gas, which totalled about 155 billion cubic metres last year, the International Energy Agency estimates. But in March, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU would release proposals for phasing out its dependency on Russian fossil fuels by 2027.

Today, the world is starting to recognise the critical role Africa’s vast natural gas resources could play in meeting Europe’s needs. The EU is also eying Africa’s potential for the production of green hydrogen, that is, hydrogen produced with renewable energy sources. Countries like Germany have already determined they cannot produce the large quantities of green hydrogen they will need to achieve their zero-emissions goals on their own. As a result, they have started setting the stage for successful import agreements with African producers by investing in infrastructure and African capacity-building programmes.

I was in Berlin in March when Namibian Mines and Energy Minister Tom Alweendo and German Economic Affairs and Climate Action Federal Minister Robert Habeck signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on cooperation in the field of green hydrogen during the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue. Namibia has a green hydrogen project that has advanced much, thanks to the work of James Mnyupe, Namibia’s

presidential economic adviser and hydrogen commissioner and his team—but more work is needed.

Frankfurt-based Emerging Energy Corporation has signed an agreement with the government of Niger to work on green hydrogen and also reduce carbon emissions in the oil fields, and at the same time seek ways to get gas and hydrogen through pipelines into Europe.

European investments in Africa will open the doors to more gas-to-power projects, with the potential to ease African energy poverty

Namibia’s Tom Alweendo and Germany’s Robert Habeck at the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue

Clearly, Africa has an important role to play in meeting European energy needs today and tomorrow. The question is, can European leaders and organisations let go of the dynamics that have dictated their dealings with Africa in the past—actions that prioritised climate objectives above Africa’s most pressing needs—and begin embracing the many benefits natural gas has to offer both continents?

Can we forge an alliance of mutual respect and co-operation, a “Green Gas Deal” of cooperation, so to speak? I believe we can, and we must.

If we do, if European governments and businesses start ramping up their investments in African natural gas projects, they will accelerate the infrastructure development necessary for African countries to start exporting more gas and hydrogen to Europe, freeing countries there from reliance on Russia.

What’s more, European investments in Africa will open the doors to more gas-to-power

projects, with the potential to ease African energy poverty. The investments will open the door to industrial projects that use gas as a feedstock, such as chemical and fertiliser plants, which will diversify African economies. And they will foster the revenue generation that African countries will need to grow their energy mix and set the stage for a successful energy transition.

Besides, investing in African gas is a sound business move. For one thing, the African Energy Chamber’s efforts to foster a positive investment environment in Africa have already been productive. African governments like Nigeria, Uganda and Namibia have been working to create business-friendly policies, from fair local content policies to improved fiscal regimes that enhance international oil companies’ ability to operate profitably within their borders.

It is important to remember that Africa remains underexplored and still has vast stores of oil and gas. During the last year alone, there have been major

discoveries in South Africa, Namibia, Gabon and off the coast of Cote d’Ivoire, to name a few.

Not only do solid investment opportunities for Europe exist in exploration and production but also in gas infrastructure. European governments, businesses and organisations can facilitate African natural gas imports to their countries by investing in African gas infrastructure including pipelines, liquefied natural gas export terminals, and maritime logistics operations. We hope to see businesses join forces, along with the creation of public-private partnerships, to drive these infrastructure projects forward.

Africa and the EU need to think about our energy relationship not in terms of a binary choice between oil, natural gas and coal production and climate change mitigation but rather in the context of energy security and a just energy transition. Rising energy prices and the conflicts underscore the urgency to do both.

That said, after my conversations with EU officials, I believe both Africa and Europe can rise to the challenge.

Africa can help Europe ease its dependence on Russian natural gas and produce the hydrogen it will need to meet its net-zero ambitions. At the same time, Europe can support Africa’s goals for a just energy transition on our own timeline—one that allows us to use our oil and gas resources to build renewable energy infrastructure, skills and technologies. One that will not negate our efforts to alleviate energy poverty.

We can, as allies, create the energy futures we both need and want. Now let us change our mindset and get to work.

NJ Ayuk Executive Chairperson African Energy Chamber

NOT SO FOOLISH AFTER ALL

Fool’s gold, pyrite, contains a newly discovered type of real gold

Gold hiding within pyrite is sometimes referred to as ‘invisible gold’, because it is not observable with standard microscopes

The mineral pyrite was historically nicknamed fool’s gold (bit.ly/3rWkbme) because of its deceptive resemblance to the precious metal. The term was often used during the California gold rush in the 1840s because inexperienced prospectors would claim discoveries of gold, but in reality it would be pyrite, composed of worthless iron disulfide (FeS2).

Ironically, pyrite crystals can contain small amounts of real gold, although it is notoriously hard to extract. Gold hiding within pyrite is sometimes referred to as ‘invisible gold’, because it is not observable with standard microscopes, but instead requires sophisticated scientific instruments.

It was not until the 1980s when researchers discovered (bit.ly/3vmOLYf) that gold in pyrite can come in different forms: either as particles of gold, or as an alloy, in which the pyrite and gold are finely mixed.

In our new research, published in Geology (bit.ly/37R2lKH), my colleagues and I discovered a third, previously unrecognised way that gold can lurk inside pyrite. When the pyrite crystal is forming under extreme temperature or pressure, it can develop tiny imperfections in its crystal structure that can be ‘decorated’ with gold atoms.

What are these ‘crystal defects’?

The atoms within a crystal are arranged in a characteristic pattern called an atomic lattice. But when a mineral crystal such as pyrite is growing inside a rock, this lattice pattern can develop imperfections. Like many minerals, pyrite is tough and hard at Earth’s surface, but can become more twisty and stretchy when forming deep in the Earth, which is also where gold deposits form.

When crystals stretch or twist, the bonds between neighbouring atoms are broken and remade, forming billions of tiny imperfections called dislocations, each roughly 100 000 times smaller than the width of a human hair, or 100 times smaller than a virus particle.

The chemistry of these atomicscale imperfections is notoriously difficult to study because they are so small, so any impurities are present in absolutely minuscule quantities. Detecting them requires a specialised instrument called an atom probe (bit.ly/3OIOZkb).

An atom probe can analyse materials at extremely high resolution, but its main advantage over other methods is that it allows us to build a 3D map showing the precise locations of impurities within a crystal—something that was never possible before.

Our research reveals that dislocations within pyrite crystals can be ‘decorated’ with gold atoms. This is particularly common where the crystals have been twisted during their history; here, gold can be present at concentrations several times higher than in the rest of the crystal.

Gold (Au) atoms hiding within a pyrite crystal, alongside other imperfections including nickel, copper and bismuth. Scale bar indicates 20 nanometres. (Source: Author)

We are a well-established and diverse contract mining and engineering company. 4ARROWS provides a variety of contract mining services, ranging from planning, loading, hauling and processing (crushing and screening).

Our goal is to be the service provider of choice to mining companies, by offering mining and beneficiation solutions, which are customer centric and promote environmental sustainability. We believe in people, in doing the right thing, in support, in open communication, in collaboration, in doing what needs to be done, in respect, in commitment, in action, in courage, in equality and in honesty and trust. A keen understanding of our customer’s needs and requirements forms the foundation for the successful implementation of any contract mining project.

At the core of our commitment to client success and sustainable communities is being a trusted partner – responsive, collaborative and disciplined. Our different departments are strong on their own – but we are even stronger together. Our people readily cross disciplines, sectors, environments and territories to drive smarter thinking and solutions, and connect projects with global excellence. We connect our leading capabilities with the skills and experience of our clients, partners, suppliers and wider stakeholders, because we believe we achieve the greatest results together. A keen understanding of our customer’s needs and requirements forms the foundation for the successful implementation of any contract mining project. We seek to build strong relationships with our clients and any relevant professional teams involved in realizing our client’s dream. We see ourselves as business partners and not just contractors.

Our service delivery revolves around the personal relationships we build with our clients, which enables us to grasp and understand their unique needs and requirements. We offer open cast mining, processing of materials, construction management, on mine logistics, specialty engineering services, equipment solutions, as well as asset management. We eliminate the headaches of maintaining an equipment fleet and moving ore to the plant. From green field start-ups to final reclamation, we are the contractor you can depend on to handle all mining related activities, anywhere in Africa. We move the material for the price that we quote, without surprises. Our teams are committed to stay ahead of your requirements, whatever it takes. We are not afraid to go the extra mile or to explore new horizons.

What makes us different? We use the best equipment. We have the best people. We do it right. We spare no expense when it comes to safety. We map our projects with drones to ensure quantities are 100% accurate using the latest technology.

A potential goldmine

Why should anyone care about something so tiny? Well, it gives interesting insights into how mineral deposits form, and is also a potential boon for the gold mining industry.

Previously, it was suspected that gold in anomalously rich pyrite crystals was in fact made of gold particles formed during a multi-step process, suggesting the pyrite and gold crystallised at different times and then became clumped together. But our discovery that gold can decorate these crystal imperfections suggests that even pyrite crystals with relatively high gold content can form in a single process.

Our discovery may also help gold miners more efficiently extract gold from pyrite, potentially reducing greenhouse emissions. To extract the gold, the mineral is usually oxidised in large reactors, which uses considerable amounts of energy.

Dislocation sites within crystals could potentially offer an enhanced partial leaching or a target for bacteria to attack and break down the crystal, releasing

the gold in a process known as bio-leaching, thus potentially reducing energy consumption necessary for extraction. This idea is still untested, but definitely merits investigation.

If it helps pave the way for more sustainable gold-mining methods, then perhaps fool’s gold is not so foolish after all.

Perhaps pyrite still lives up to its historic reputation of fool’s gold until better, more environmentally sustainable ore processing techniques are developed.

Denis Fougerouse Research Fellow School of Earth and Planetary Sciences Curtin University

When the pyrite crystal is forming under extreme temperature or pressure, it can develop tiny imperfections in its crystal structure that can be ‘decorated’ with gold atoms.

A CLEAN FUTURE

The Angolan government has reiterated its commitment to expanding the share of renewables in the country’s energy mix, with targets set to increase the utilisation of renewable energy sources to 70% by 2025. The country’s energy mix is currently dominated by hydroelectric power (56%), but also includes energy generated from natural gas (12%).

As the country looks to enhance investment and development within the green energy space, the government has emphasised the role that international financial institutions and global partners will play in helping drive the country’s transition.

Angola is uniquely positioned to expand the role of its already

strong hydropower sector, with estimates that out of the country’s 47 large watersheds, only 5% are currently being utilised. But hydropower is not the only renewable energy source that the southern African country is actively pursuing.

Several areas in Angola benefit from particularly favourable wind conditions. For example, the wind speeds in the southern and central highlands of Angola are estimated at an average of 4.5 metres per second, which is optimal for the installation of a wide range of wind farms and turbines of various sizes. Furthermore, the area facing the Atlantic coast also benefits from strong winds and is projected to have the potential to generate more than 3.9GW of wind energy.

Angola aims to increase energy generated from renewable sources and attract greater FDI from the EU and international financial institutions

In this regard, and with the objective of driving renewable energy project developments, Angola is looking toward other continents such as Europe, which is home to a plethora of companies with extensive expertise in successfully executing wind energy projects and can serve as ideal partners for Angola. These include Danish manufacturer Vestas Wind Systems; Spanish electric company, Iberdrola; Spanish renewable energy company, Siemens Gamesa; and Austrian independent power producer RP Global, among others.

It is worth noting that Angola’s large hydropower as well as renewables potential makes it a top target regarding green hydrogen, which is touted in many regions as a preferred energy source of the future. For this reason, state-owned national oil company Sonangol has started exploring the possibility of producing green hydrogen in Angola together with German partners. The German government, as well as the entire European Union (EU), is very interested in diversifying its energy needs away from Russian gas and, hence, is set to intensify collaboration aimed at developing green hydrogen in Angola.

Laúca Hydroelectric Power Plant on the Kwanza River (Source: VerAngola)

The Biopio site in Benguela is the largest single solar PV project in sub-Saharan Africa (Source: SunAfrica)

Angola’s large hydropower as well as renewables potential makes it a top target regarding green hydrogen

In addition to having companies with a successful track record in renewable energy, Europe is also a partner of choice in attracting investment to help fund renewable energy projects in Angola. Some of the largest investors in wind, solar and offshore energy projects include the Green Investment Group, Edinburgh (UK); Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (Denmark); Qualitas Equity (Spain); Fontavis (Switzerland); Scatec (Norway); Eiffel Investment Group (France); Finerge (Portugal); Ventient Energy (UK); Wirtgen Invest (Germany); and RP Global (Austria). These investors will be critical for Angola as it ramps up green energy developments countrywide.

Meanwhile, the EU has put in place the Africa-EU Green Energy Initiative that aims to support Angola’s decarbonisation efforts as part of the co-operation programme, Global Europe 2021–2027. Through the initiative, the EU is mobilising funding and technical assistance from a variety of international financial organisations such as the European Investment Bank. The goal of the initiative is to further expand renewable energy infrastructure such as power grids and interconnectors.

However, Europe is not the only potential source of funding for Angola’s renewable energy sector. In 2021, solar energy company Power Africa, in partnership with

Angola is looking at solar to fulfil domestic demand and drive the transition

the African Development Bank (AfDB), reached an agreement with Angola to boost the pace of electrification throughout the country in order to meet rising demand. A number of sectors in the country including telecommunications, manufacturing and mining are eager for reliable access to electricity and to reduce the utilisation of fuel-oil fired generators—and institutions such as Power Africa and the AfDB have a role to play.

Additionally, Angola is looking at solar to fulfil domestic demand and drive the transition, and international renewable developers are already driving development. Notably, in 2021, American

renewable energy developer Sun Africa invested €524 million in Angola for the purpose of building the largest solar photovoltaic project in the country. The project comprises seven solar parks with a total generation capacity of 370MW for three provinces, namely Lunde Sul and Moxico, both in the eastern parts of Angola and Lunde Norte in the northeast. With Portugal-based company MCA leading construction, the project will be instrumental in positioning Angola as a renewable economy. Accordingly, as the country moves to exploit more of its renewable resources, international companies and financial institutions, as well as global partners, will play a significant role.

In order to ensure the significant amounts of generated power actually reach consumers and markets at affordable and reliable rates, there still needs to be significant investments in the transmitting networks nationally and even regionally. Therein lies opportunities for investors as the government continues to prioritise infrastructure investment in a bid to drive capital expenditure and diversification of the economy that needs affordable and reliable power.

Verner Ayukegba Senior Vice-President African Energy Chamber

Angola LNG Plant near Soyo (Source: Chevron)

EXPLORING THE FUTURE

Junior miners are uniquely positioned to take advantage of the shift toward 4IR, digital transformation and modernisation in mining

Modernisation and technology in mining is as critical for junior and emerging miners as it is for larger mining groups to ensure a safe and healthy work environment, while reducing costs, improving efficiencies and ultimately global competitiveness to unlock South Africa’s mineral wealth.

The emergence of new technologies has ushered in a wave of global change that is being driven by Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) innovations and thinking. Space-based technology and artificial intelligence are maturing rapidly into valuable tools in mining, particularly for exploration. The Minerals Council South Africa is at the forefront of work to promote and reinvigorate the country’s moribund exploration, emerging and junior mining sector.

By deploying technology and modern mining methods, the cost and efficiencies of extracting ore bodies are improved, increasing the potential for the development of previously uneconomic deposits and new discoveries, creating jobs and wealth for South Africa.

Speaking at a Minerals Council’s Junior and Emerging Miners Desk webinar on Modernisation and Technical Innovation for Junior Mining Companies, Sietse van der Woude, senior executive for Modernisation and Safety, said work undertaken by the Minerals Council in partnership with the Mandela Mining Precinct and the Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability (RIIS) supports the development and rollout of such technologies.

Key initiatives of high interest to junior and emerging miners have been undertaken under the Mining Skills 4.0, Real Time Information Management Systems, and Advanced Orebody Knowledge programmes. These programmes seek immediately implementable, cost-effective solutions and aim to establish mechanisms that enable industry-wide modernisation

and digital transformation. The adoption of technology to find mineral deposits is essential if South Africa is to achieve its ambition of securing at least 5% of the global share of exploration expenditure in the future.

“Far from being science-fiction, technologies are maturing rapidly into action-oriented business tools,” said RIIS Modernisation Programme director, Davis Cook.

Rio Tinto autonomous truck at Pilbara

Space-based technology and artificial intelligence are maturing rapidly into valuable tools in mining, particularly for exploration.

SIETSE VAN DER WOUDE Senior executive for Modernisation and Safety

DAVIS COOK RIIS Modernisation Programme director

“Not only is the cost of satellite data decreasing radically due to falling space-access costs, the resolution and availability of data is increasing. Further, new technologies are being developed that allow for completely new exploration processes, enabling significantly more accurate (and hence lower cost) exploration programmes.”

Cook added that the use of AI systems in ore body recognition is gaining traction around the world. AI is capable of re-analysing existing data sets to discover previously missed orebodies. “This creates new efficiencies in optimising for initial search locations, though it does require detailed and updated minerals cadastres,” explained Cook.

The United States and the European Union have identified and revised lists of critical minerals and have developed action plans that include improving international co-operation with other nations to secure a diversified and sustainable supply of these minerals. This presents a significant opportunity for international partnerships and investments for South African mining. Many of these critical mineral

deposits are mostly of modest size and on surface or at shallow depth, making them excellent opportunities for junior miners.

Dick Kruger, strategic technical adviser at the Mandela Mining Precinct, noted that junior mining companies have increased flexibility and willingness to explore innovation. “Junior mining and exploration need modernisation and technology just as much as the large, established mining companies,” he said.

He encouraged junior and emerging mining companies to reach out to the precinct, to collaborate and share ways to further modernise junior mining and exploration.

Allan Seccombe Head of Communications Minerals Council South Africa

ThoroughTec's CYBERMINE Full Mission Simulator

Far from being science-fiction, technologies are maturing rapidly into action-oriented business tools.

ThoroughTec's CYBERMINE

Containerised Mining Simulator

ZERO HARM

Combatting falls-ofground incidents in underground mines

Plans to combat falls of ground (FOG) in underground mines were under intense focus at an event hosted by the Minerals Council South Africa and its members at the end of March 2022 to share their learnings to eliminate the risks from these incidents that are a historically leading source of mining industry fatalities.

The number of FOG fatalities has fallen to an average 24 a year in the 2016–2020 five-year period from an average of 111 a year in 2001–2005—a 78% improvement. The key interventions were the implementation of entry examinations and actively making working areas safe daily from 2009. In 2012, netting and bolting of tunnel roofs and walls were introduced.

From 2016, there were annual initiatives to address rock bursts and gravity-induced FOGs. Technology has proved successful in significantly reducing human exposure to rock bursts, cutting rock-burst related fatalities to three in 2021 from 48 in 2003. Gravityinduced rockfalls remain an area

of concern and are a key focus of work for the mining industry.

“We’ve made the first desired step in arresting falls-of-ground incidents. Our day of learning is not only about sharing learnings from fatal incidents, but from the successes of our colleagues and to explore further enhancements to make another major step change toward eliminating FOG fatalities,” said Dr Sizwe Phakathi, head of safety at the Minerals Council.

The Minerals Council’s CEO Zero Harm Forum has agreed on a six-pillar FOG Action Plan in conjunction with professional mining organisations for its members to implement in order to address these incidents. The action plan is a holistic approach that encompasses technical and human elements supported by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, the Mine Health and Safety Council, organised labour and suppliers. It consists of the following pillars: adoption of leading practices, research and development, skills development, policy issues, achieving zero harm production, as well as the

implementation and monitoring of leading practices.

The Action Plan, approved in July 2021, includes a financial investment of R46 million over five years.

“Falls of ground remain the highest risk of all underground mines and thus the management thereof remains critical. We have seen significant improvement with regard to safety with the introduction of in-stope bolting, netting and world-class safe declaration processes that flowed out of the initiatives we have developed,” said JJ Joubert, president of the Association of Mine Managers of South Africa (AMMSA).

“However, injuries are still occurring, and for that reason our efforts cannot stop here. As AMMSA, we will continue to support all initiatives that aim at sharing learning and knowledge to further improve our ability to manage the hanging wall. A day of learning thus forms an integral part of this process. We need to continue to offer the industry opportunities to share learnings and further explore future enhancements,” he added.

Falls of ground remain the highest risk of all underground mines and thus the management thereof remains critical.

JJ JOUBERT President of AMMSA

NOZIPHO DLAMINI President of SACMA

JAPIE FULLARD Minerals Council CEO Zero Harm Forum

DR SIZWE PHAKATHI Minerals Council SA Head of Safety

In the first quarter of 2022, there has been one fatality caused by a FOG incident compared to six in the same period last year, and seven and nine in the two preceding years respectively.

“If we keep up the trend we’ve seen so far in the first quarter of this year, we will see a significant decline in FOG fatalities this year. Every day you blast, you have a brand-new underground mining environment, so we need tasks and programmes to deal with that,” said Japie Fullard, deputy chairperson of the Minerals Council CEO Zero Harm Forum. “The most important safety intervention we have is to give true empowerment to our employees to stop working in an unsafe environment without fear of victimisation or the threat of disciplinary measures or dismissal. It’s a silver bullet we must use,” he added.

After two successive years of regression in the safety performance of the mining industry, the Minerals Council held a special board meeting at the end of 2021 that outlined eight interventions to halt and reverse the trend. Included in the measures were interventions specifically focused on FOGs. The industry recorded 74 fatalities in 2021, up from 60 the year before and an all-time low of 51 in 2019.

“As industry, we need to be diligent in sharing best practices, new technology and learning from incidents—this is one of the critical ways to ensure all miners return home to their loved ones unharmed at the end of each day. I am excited about sharing the FOG Action Plan with all our members to implement,” said Nozipho Dlamini, president of the South African Colliery Managers’ Association (SACMA).

In 2021, the Minerals Council’s CEO Zero Harm Forum mandated the Rock Engineering Technical Committee—with the support of the South African National Institute of Rock Engineering— to develop the Action Plan to eliminate FOG fatalities.

The Minerals Council will implement the FOG Action Plan project in partnership with mining professional associations including AMMSA, SACMA, South African National Institute of Rock Engineering, organised labour, regulator, suppliers, research institutions and universities.

Allan Seccombe Head of Communications Minerals Council South Africa

Every day you blast, you have a brand-new underground mining environment, so we need tasks and programmes to deal with that.

Jeehu (Pty) Ltd is a black women-owned multidisciplinary engineering company specialising in engineering and mining services. It provides quality upskilling short learning programmes in the fields of engineering, business management and life skills. These services are offered to industries, mining houses and government departments around South Africa and beyond—and particularly to youths, underdeveloped and developing communities.

OVERVIEW OF SERVICES

JEEHU ENGINEERING

Design

Design, refurbishing and supply of mechanical structures;

Civil construction, concrete work and building work;

Steel structural work; Pipe routing design and installation;

Electrical work—installation of HV, MV and LV and maintenance; General engineering and plant maintenance (manufacture and replacement of chutes, liners, belt splicing etc.);

General construction Mining Mine rehabilitation; Fluid management—slurry and dewatering; Deep-well borehole equipping; Drilling; Rendering of other mining services

JEEHU SUPPLIES

Oils and all lubricants; HDPE pipes and all dewatering accessories; Pumps, flow meters and valves

Contact details

JEEHU MAINTENANCE SERVICES

Jeehu employs a team of dedicated researchers who take great care to search, document and implement the world best practice in the field of plant maintenance. Due to the calibre of staff, the identification of client problems, corrective action and execution of the required task according to international norms and standard is easily obtainable. The design team is well trained for any modification of plants, fabrication and installation of new designs.

JEEHU TRAINING CENTRE

Jeehu is dedicated to upskilling engineers, technologists, technicians, project managers and business managers.

The Training Centre offers a range of well-researched and thought-out short courses that will contribute immensely to the professional development of thousands of individuals who will apply the expertise gained from these courses to their own systems and facilities.

Tel: +27 12 371 3001 | Cell: +27 83 365 1401; +27 82 787 7306 Email: info@jeehu.co.za www.jeehu.co.za

Jeehu provides dedicated, effective and efficient engineering and mining services

A FRAGILE SOURCE OF LIFE

Mountains are among the regions that are most sensitive to climate change and to the impacts of human activities

Unfortunately, human activities like mining, livestock, energy production and tourism impact mountains.

Mountains stand apart, literally—they are islands rising high in a sea of lowlands. For many, they are the place to reconnect to nature, to relax and to enjoy a clean environment and fresh air. The popularity of mountains during the current pandemic clearly showed the need of humans to enjoy nature.

Mountains also provide us with many important goods including wood, pastures for livestock, drinking water and clean air (bit.ly/39jsulD). All are provided by mountain ecosystems, through complex processes that are maintained by the community of different species and their interactions between them and with the abiotic environment. Those species are numerous. They comprise invisible microorganisms, tiny plankton species, small plants, trees, cryptic reptiles and amphibians, swift birds and mammals. Those species produce organic matter, bind carbon dioxide, and produce oxygen.

Together, all these species shape, change and rebuild the environment in complex interactions that are difficult to describe. Even the most powerful information systems have not yet been able to simulate a real ecosystem with all its interactions, functions and processes. Nature humbles our technological and intellectual capacities.

Far and above

Mountains are generally considered to be remote areas, as many are difficult to travel to, as roads are scarce and accessibility limited due to weather conditions. We imagine them little impacted by humans and free of pollution. Unfortunately, human activities like mining, livestock, energy production and tourism impact them. Here, I am referring to the exploitation to serve the civilised world, living in urbanised areas. Humans have exploited the timber, mining and pasturage resources of mountain environments for millennia. These activities and others have impacted mountain ecosystems to varying degrees.

Today, the rapid flux of people and resources into and out of mountains compounds the challenges they face. The activities pollute even remote mountain areas at high altitudes. Pollutants can be transported to mountains by orographic effects and may enrich in lake sediments, peat bogs and generally in mountain wetlands, driven by patterns of rainfall, snowfall, length of growth season and wind patterns. Temperaturedependent partitioning between air and atmospheric particles, snow surface or water droplets determine dry and wet deposition rates that may lead to a fractionation and deposition of different pollution compounds at different altitudes.

The pollution of mountain freshwater with chemical compounds—a key challenge humanity is facing—is therefore closely linked to climate change and climate extremes. Climate extremes play a key role in the redistribution of chemical pollutants and are assumed to enhance release of pollutants stored in ice, soils or sediments through flood events.

Humans’ heavy hand

In addition to these direct impacts, humans have changed the world climate. Mountains are very fragile environments and are among the regions that are most sensitive to climate change and to the impacts of human activities. Climate change is a worldwide threat, but its impact on mountains is particularly strong and troubling. High-elevation areas tend to experience intensified climatechange induced warming and weather extremes.

As with high latitudes (our poles), where ice melt is far more rapid than predicted (on.natgeo.com/3Ktjwis), the rate of warming is also

amplified with elevation. That means high mountains are experiencing more rapid changes in temperature and much higher variations in daily temperatures as compared to lowland regions. Glaciers are melting more and more quickly (on.natgeo.com/3KtXaxv), snow cover is reduced and highly variable between years. Further, heavy rain events—creating torrents and floods—and periods of no rain, drying out mountain landscapes, have been observed to be more and more common and frequent. All this has important implications for nature, for wildlife and for the human society.

©Emma Strumpman

High-altitude areas around the world share many characteristic and common features. All of them have in common that, while being considered an extreme environment with short vegetation times, they harbour an important number of different species adapted to such a harsh environment.

Climate change puts enormous stress on them, leading to important changes in those biological communities due to changes in abundance of species, loss of species, and range changes of species. Interactions between the species and the environment drive the functioning of ecosystems. Mountains and their biodiversity are sentinels of change. Changes in the mountains will lead to the loss of essential ecosystem services, which poses risks for the wellbeing of all of us.

These human impacts on mountain ecosystems disturb biodiversity across all trophic levels, from microbes, plankton to higher animals—with little understood consequences for the whole ecosystem. For example, microbial communities —comprising the community of fungi, yeasts, bacteria, viruses and protozoans—which are all so tiny that we cannot see them with the naked eye, are everywhere: in the air, on the surfaces, in the water, the soil, on our skin, in our very bodies. Despite their small size, these communities drive major processes in and on animals, plants as well as in the environment.

Microbial web of life

The community of micro-organisms helps plants and animals adapt to the environment by, for example, increasing temperature tolerance. They form biological barriers against pathogens and parasites by competing with them and by mitigating disease effects. They help their animal or plant host synthesise vital nutrients, thereby increase energy uptake and growth and hence may have far-reaching consequences by increasing reproductive success. Similarly, micro-organisms stabilise whole ecosystems by buffering against change through the maintenance of biodiversity and ecosystem processes.

In ecosystems, microorganismic communities also represent a barrier against alien species and improve resistance, resilience and tolerance of ecosystems. Most importantly, micro-organismic communities hold important ecosystem functions such as nutrient cycling, energy fluxes and carbon fixation. For example, the interactions between micro-organisms and plankton constitute the basis of aquatic food web and determine the functioning of biogeochemical cycles, accounting for more than half of the global carbon fixation (bit.ly/3LvqGnM).

Any kind of disturbance of the community of microorganisms can therefore have far-reaching impacts on species and ecosystems. For example, the influx of pollutants together with other impacts of climate change will disturb biodiversity across

all trophic levels—from microorganism, plankton to higher animals—with little understood consequences for the whole ecosystem. The natural equilibrium then is perturbed and can lead to the increase of pathogens, also critical to human well-being as, for example, plankton would not be able to control the proliferation of zoonotic pathogens such as the bacterium Escherichia coli and the protozoan genus Giardia, or toxic algae. And pathogens can easily be introduced to mountains through pastoralism, tourism or wind drift and hence the biological barrier the community of microorganisms represents is of high relevance to avoid proliferation of pathogenic micro-organisms.

Changes in mountain ecosystems will lead to eutrophication, loss of biodiversity and reduce availability of clean drinking water, but give also rise to wildlife and human pathogens— leading to increasing probabilities of zoonoses (bit.ly/36X6Vqc).

We are currently only at the beginning of understanding the functional ecology in mountain ecosystems, but international research already suggests changing the communities will be detrimental to the environment, biodiversity and our life-support system.

Dirk S. Schmeller

AXA Chair: Functional Mountain Ecology

École Nationale Supérieure Agronomique de Toulouse

Université de Toulouse III—Paul Sabatier

Specialist in Underground Emission Control

Rush Exhaust Purification has been in existence since 2005, Specializing in designing and manufacturing of Emission Control Exhaust Systems, as to customers specification on underground mining equipment.

Rush Exhaust Purification has been in existence since 2005, Specializing in designing and manufacturing of Emission Control Exhaust Systems, as to customers specification on underground mining equipment.

Using the latest technology available on the market for Ceramic Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), Metal DPF and Catalytic Converters.

Using the latest technology available on the market for Ceramic Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), Metal DPF and Catalytic Converters.

One of the Major advantages of the new systems is that the Ceramic DPF, and Metal DPF are easily interchangeable with each other, and no modification needed

One of the Major advantages of the new systems is that the Ceramic DPF, and Metal DPF are easily interchangeable with each other, and no modification needed

Rush Exhaust Purification’s DPF Filters and Catalytic converters is most affordable, runs at the l owest cost per kilowatt per hour, and robust pattern design for the harsh South African Mining Conditions

Rush Exhaust Purification’s DPF Filters and Catalytic converters is most affordable, runs at the l owest cost per kilowatt per hour, and robust pattern design for the harsh South African Mining Conditions Tel:

We help you develop your story and your voice and connect with the clients who want to do business with you. We like to talk about your business as much as you enjoy sharing it with others. That means we treat your business like it’s our own. We get down to the nitty gritty and find out as much as we can in an initial free consultation with you where you let us in on the journey you’ve taken up to this point and the goals you have, moving forward. We’ll be actively by your side all the way because your success is our success. Chat with us on WhatsApp Visit our website

MATTERS

Learners who begin a course with a clear idea of what they want to get out of it are more likely to complete their course and earn a certificate.

The ‘Great Resignation’ (bit.ly/3vtyZuZ) has left many people with time on their hands. And while this time may be a welcome respite from the daily grind, most folks will need to get back to work eventually. For many, this period is a time of reflection and a chance to pursue a new career.

But how do you make the switch? And even if you plan to return to the same field, how do you show that you have kept current with the changes and trends (mck.co/3OHX4Wr) that affected most industries during the pandemic?

Traditionally, the answer to these questions has been to go back to school. But rising tuition costs over the past few decades (cnb.cx/3Ly1QDS), and the time commitment of traditional degree programmes, make this route prohibitively expensive for many people.

That is where short online courses in business, technology and other fields come in. Over the past 10 years, these courses from providers such as Udemy (www.udemy.com), Coursera (www.coursera.org) and edX (www.edx.org) have become more popular, and approximately 75% of learners who take them (bit.ly/38zinbW) report gaining career benefits (bit.ly/3y9eu8i) from completing them.

As a researcher and practitioner (bit.ly/3voGkMf) who develops these education technologies, I also study the behaviours that make online learners successful. Here are four key actions that studies have shown will help online learners make the most of a short online course to reap the career benefits they desire:

1. Identify the goal.

Learners who begin a course with a clear idea of what they want to get out of it are more likely to complete their course (bit.ly/3vq6yOf) and earn a certificate. A goal may be, for example, to learn a new skill, gain more knowledge about a topic, improve job performance, get a new job or advance in a current one.

In my study of more than 4 000 learners who completed an online course in business topics, I found that learners who enrolled in their course with the intention of improving their job performance, starting their own business or getting a new role were more likely to experience career benefits (bit.ly/3vB0OBH) than those who enrolled only because they wanted to learn something new about the topic.

2. Rewatch videos and retake tests.

Among the same sample of more than 4 000 people taking online courses, I also found that learning behaviours associated with persistence— such as watching more videos or retaking tests—were shown to be more strongly associated with perceived career benefits than social behaviours like forum posts, comments and views, or even grades.

In fact, the same study showed that grades do not have any correlation to whether or not a person gains career benefits, as long as they eventually pass the course. The lesson here is to try and try again. Taking a course that is challenging may prove to be more useful than one a learner can breeze through.

3. Finish the course.

Many short courses are now only four or five weeks long, with fewer than three hours of time required per week. Learners who complete their online courses are more likely (bit.ly/38Ce93e) to learn something new, improve performance, get a raise or new job, or start a new business. They can also receive a digital certificate or badge (bit.ly/3xXp7v3) they can post on social media channels to inform potential employers that they have successfully passed the course.

4. Choose the brand wisely.

Currently, I am working on a broader study to confirm that hiring managers feel that ‘non-degree credentials’ like certificates from online courses improve a candidate’s résumé, particularly if the potential

employee does not have work experience in the field.

These same hiring managers value the reputation of the institution that offers the course over the specific credential that is earned from it—a badge vs a certificate, for example. In my survey to hiring managers, the results of which have not yet been published, a majority responded that they prefer non-degree credentials from academically distinguished universities over credit-bearing certificates from for-profit institutions.

Fortunately, many highly recognisable, academically selective universities and companies now offer these short courses for low or no cost. It is easy to learn data analytics from IBM (bit.ly/3LFRZf6), business strategy from Darden (bit.ly/3OOqZMv), machine learning from Stanford

(bit.ly/3KrpEIm) and many more topics from top schools, such as Python, computer science, robotics, economics of healthcare and even the science of happiness from University of Michigan, Harvard, Penn and Yale. If a learner recognises the name of the institution offering the course, chances are hiring managers will too.

While short online courses have not lived up to the hype 10 years ago that they would disrupt higher education (nyti.ms/3vsWkNp), they are helping millions of learners (bit.ly/3LvtVLU) around the globe try new fields and learn skills to advance their careers.

Anne Trumbore

Executive Director: Digital and Open Enrollment Darden School of Business University of Virginia

Over the past 10 years, short online courses from providers such as Udemy, Coursera and edX have become more popular

PEACE-OF-MIND