Short courses

Short courses not only contribute to the Department’s third-stream income activities, but also elevate its visibility in the mining industry. They make the expertise of the Department available to members of industry for purposes of skills development and capacity building. They also enable individuals in the mining sector to become more effective in the development of smart, long-lasting solutions for society.

During the period under review, the Department presented numerous short courses to industry stakeholders. Its short courses in risk management, as well as health and safety, are particularly successful. One of the highlights of this year was the launch of the Course for Managers in Risk Management (c-MiRM). The course was developed to provide a solid foundation for the sustainable decrease of casualty rates in South African mines – both above and below ground – towards zero. The c-MiRM is aligned with internationally benchmarked risk management standards, and comprises seven modules with interactive assignments. It can be taken as a series of short courses over one, three or four days, as a two-day refresher course, or as a longer Fundamentals Programme (12 contact sessions over 10 months) or an Advanced Programme (17 contact sessions over six months).

HIGHLIGHTS

Speaking at the launch, Albert van der Vyver, course leader and presenter, provided insights on how the programme will focus on a structured approach with well-defined guidelines and strategies to establish and maintain a multi-dimensional risk management framework. It will also enhance the ability of managers, who create and protect value within the company by managing risks, to make decisions, set and achieve objectives and improve performance by exploiting opportunities and applying risk response methods.

Leigh McMaster, Specialist: Behaviour and Change at the Minerals Council South Africa, presented the welcome address at the event, emphasising how programmes such as these can add value to the mining industry’s drive towards zero harm.

Harmony Gold Leadership Capacity-building Short Course

The Leadership Capacity-building short course for Harmony Gold, under the guidance of Prof Ronny Webber-Youngman and Dr Johann Uys, is still going strong and includes junior, senior and executive managers. Certificates were awarded on 26 November 2020 to 209 participants, and 29 candidates completed their examinations towards UP certification in February 2020. Three new groups commenced the programme in the first quarter of 2020. These groups will complete their programmes in the last quarter of 2020 due to the postponement of Harmony training activities due to COVID-19 regulations.

Programme in Technical and Operational Surface Mining Excellence

This short course is presented over a tenmonth period. It provides the technical knowledge that will enable delegates to become effective, value-driven managers at a surface mine. Delegates are exposed to a wide variety of technical and operational aspects of surface mining, rather than being trained in the details of operating a mine. They are also introduced to new available technologies and leading software packages to assist the manager of a 2030 mine. Over the two-year period, the course registered 51 delegates, and it is expected that this number will continue to increase in future.

Mine Closure and Land Rehabilitation Short Course

This excellent short course has been finalised and is available for industry delivery. It provides delegates with an overview of the requirements for integrated mine closure planning, focusing on the legal requirements, general opportunities and threats, as well as practical examples. To support industry stakeholders in this delicate process, they are presented with a stuctured approach to assist them in planning for the closure of mining operations. The course is ideal for mine managers, mining engineers, environmental managers or environmental assessment practitioners, and land rehabilitation specialists, among others.