SMART TECHNOLOGY could take place. “Without collaboration, there is not much we are going to achieve.” Reiterating the importance of working together, Majozi explained that the research centres will be characterised by different types of engineering such as metallurgical engineering and sustainable process engineering. “We now have students who come from geosciences, physics, engineering – [with] all of them working in these centres.” Majozi also expressed his gratitude for the support given to Wits during the establishment of the research centres. “I want to assure you that these centres are in good hands. We see this going well into the future.” UJ’s research centre will focus on the longevity of current mining operations. Professor Hennie Grobler, head of department: Mining Engineering & Mine Surveying at UJ, proudly mentioned that the establishment of the research centre at UJ coincided with the 100th anniversary of the institution’s mine surveyors. “UJ is quite uniquely positioned for
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longevity in the sense that the department of mining engineering and mine surveying will be turning a hundred.” Coincidentally, the focus of the UJ Samerdi centre is fixed around the longevity of talent mines. Echoing Majozi’s sentiments on collaboration, Grobler pointed out that his department drew on fields outside of mining. “None of what we do is on our own. We need electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, industrial engineers and medical professionals to do this. The collaboration is really important.” Advanced ore knowledge will be the focus at UFS. The university’s Professor John Carranza shared his excitement regarding the impending Samerdi research centre: “On behalf of my university, we are thankful and fortunate to the Mandela Mining Precinct for giving us this opportunity to be one of the Samerdi research centres, especially for advanced ore body knowledge.” UP’s research centre will home in on research activity and mechanised mining systems.