Technology can fast track skills development in the mining sector in 2022

Sustainable environmental technologies

crucial to SA mining industry's future

The future of mining in South Africa is bright; however, it is critical that sustainable environmental technologies are employed in mining operations, says GIBB Mining Managing Director, Alan Wingrove.

What is the expected growth of the mining sector for 2022?

With the global economy recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, the demand for commodities has been strong to rebuild stockpiles and/or to satisfy the increased demand on the ground.

As a result, commodity prices have boomed. The Ukrainian crisis has sparked a global energy crisis with crude oil and coal prices escalating exponentially. Mining houses worldwide are cashflush, with shareholder returns in record territory.

In South Africa, all mining houses are doing well, but could have done better to exploit the high commodity prices were it not for the Eskom and Transnet constraints. There remains an uneasiness to invest in South African new mines with long-term commitments, but rather to invest in Brownfield expansions and carbon footprint reduction initiatives.

What are some of the key challenges expected in 2022?

The socio-political landscape remains volatile, which impacts the critical focus needed to address the South African economic woes and in turn, the levels of unemployment.

The drive for sustainable energy solutions is commendable and necessary but will not solve the electricity supply uncertainty in the near-term for current and future mining operations.

Nevertheless, the 100MW self-generation capacity limit provides mines with the opportunity to lock-in predictable escalation on electricity costs going forward. Self-generation also facilitates sustainability for local communities beyond mine closure.

What are the opportunities for the sector?

The commitment by the majority of nations to a zero carbon economy by 2050 has shifted the needle in terms of the production of e-vehicles and concomitant demand for battery minerals and copper.

Supply and demand will dictate a shift in metals of the future.

How does the promotion of going 'green' and the advancement of technologies impact the sector?

There is significant commitment by all mining houses to reduce their carbon footprint.

Shareholders demand commitment to a carbon reduction plan and hold the executive to account. Alternative energy solutions for powering mining fleet are receiving huge attention.

What are some of the key strides that have been made within the sector from a sustainability perspective?

Environmental and social sustainability remains a key focus.

Local community buy-in is key to facilitating the social license to operate. Sustainable clean energy solutions post mine closure provides local mining communities the opportunity to diversify more easily into alternative sources of income, such as farming, tourism and small-scale industry.

From a transformation perspective, what are some of the key objectives with reference to empowering women within the sector?

The increasing role of women in mining is very positive in that their instinctive ability to create a more caring work environment is likely to enhance health, safety and environmental compliance.

This in turn has the effect of nurturing and improved productivity culture. A healthy and transparent working environment is a productive working environment.

As an important driver of the economy how can legislation and partnerships assist in enabling job creation in areas of operation and positioning SA’s mining industry as a global leader?

The recent relaxation of the self-generating capacity limit is a good example of government working in partnership with the mining sector to create sustainable jobs going forward.

Similarly, privatisation of SOE’s in a collaborative spirit will unshackle the current Eskom and Transnet constraints.

Political stability and clear unambiguous legislation is a requirement to attract investment in mining in South Africa to reposition the industry as a global leader which it should be.

What is a critical component that would help develop the sector?

The beneficiation of our mineral wealth instead of

exporting raw materials for beneficiation by others is a key factor in keeping a lid on development. Unfortunately, beneficiation processes are energy intensive and this strategy is a non-starter at present.

Digital management platforms are seen to be ways of improving the efficiency of new and existing mining operations to drive down the cost curve, hence improving investor attractiveness.

What does the future of the mining sector look like?

The future of mining is very bright with the proviso that sustainable environmental technologies can be employed. 

GIBB Mining is a multi-disciplinary engineering and consulting firm, specialising in innovative and sustainable techno-economic, holistic solutions for mining projects, from concept to commissioning and handover. GIBB Mining offers clients support with study development (early concept through to feasibility), design, procurement, and construction management of new greenfield mining projects as well as brownfield projects.

Technology can fast track

skills development in the mining sector in 2022

Career development took a back seat in the mining sector during the pandemic as Covid-19 restrictions made it extremely difficult to send people for training effectively. Budgets were also strained because of lockdowns, so many mines had to cut back. As a result, learnerships and further education and training, as well as community development, were put on hold.

By Gordon Malebo By Jacques Farmer, MD of PRISMA

This has exacerbated the existing skills shortage, and it has become imperative to bring the focus back once again to mandatory training initiatives and career development pathways. Technology can be very helpful in achieving this, with immersive training simulators that can improve safety and learning retention within the mining industry.

On the fast track

The skills shortage in mining is no new scenario, but it has worsened since the pandemic, exacerbated by a bleed of skills into Africa due to high demand. Skills development is also mandated by the mining charter, so without this focus, mines risk falling foul of compliance and legislation.

Ultimately, however, mines are risk intensive environments, so training and development are vital to prevent injury, death, damage to property and other serious consequences. Training and development need to cover both theory and practical elements, and technology can assist to fast-track this while improving skills development in all areas.

Virtually real

Driven by technology

Many mines have already invested in VR systems, but their training programmes have not been designed around the technology, so they are not using them to their full extent. The right training partner can be invaluable here, helping to build and tailor training initiatives around the technology. South Africa has some of the deepest mines and most dangerous mining conditions across the globe, so it is imperative for the country to set the benchmark when it comes to safety and training processes. Including the use of 4IR technologies into training interventions helps to increase safety and efficiency, while allowing for the focus on skills development required to meet regulatory and moral obligations. Integrating this effectively with a training partner helps to improve returns and advance risk management for safer, more efficient and ultimately more profitable mining operations. 

Virtual Reality (VR) can be a massive advantage in the mining sector, with immersive technologies and simulators that can be used to teach people to operate machines correctly and safely, without them having to actually learn on the equipment. This can be used to revolutionise training programmes because training can be completed faster, and in a safer environment, which in turn aids in skills transfer and deeper learning.

VR can be used in all areas of mining training, and tools like operator performance analysis can be deployed to identify areas where individuals need improvement. This not only enhances efficiency, as training can then be tailored to address gaps in existing skills and knowledge, it also helps employees improve faster, and enhances the safety of the mine as a whole.

Jacques Farmer, MD of PRISMA