SA Mining September/October 2024

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IN BRIEF

6 Sponsorships, products and appointments.

FEATURES

14 Finance & Legal

In the 30 years since the advent of democracy in SA, mining laws have evolved significantly, making the industry a safer and more e ective sector.

16 Events

The 2024 Joburg Indaba aims to contribute to timely and critical discussions on the mining industry and the way forward for South Africa.

20 Projects in SADC

One of the world’s largest undeveloped uranium projects, Letlhakane aims to be a responsible uranium producer that makes a positive contribution to a carbon-free future.

32 Safety, Health & Environment

In a sector as dangerous as mining, occupational health and safety is crucial. Industry collaboration and innovative technologies can improve this significantly.

36 Mining Innovations

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a powerful toolset that is capable of unearthing and alleviating the persistent pain points that plague mining operations.

40 Pumps, Pipes & Valves

Both diesel and electric pumps have their uses in mining applications, but which type of pump is best suited to which type of project?

NEWS IN NUMBERS

14 2004: MPRD Act first came into force

20 118m pounds: Letlhakane resource estimate

4 Out of Africa

Gary Alfonso speaks to CEO of Enaex Africa, Francisco Baudrand, about the company’s plans to embrace artificial intelligence, while also looking into incorporating sustainability within the organisation’s strategic objective.

https://youtu.be/2U0RMa_6bko

Letlhakane mine provides hope for a greener future.

TTECHNOLOGY, SAFETY AND THE LAW

The impact AI can have on the mining sector is huge, and thus deserves consideration. But it’s equally crucial to never lose sight of the impact of issues like occupational health and safety, nor the importance of legislation to govern the sector.

Rodney Weidemann

he rise of digital technologies has provided the mining sector with new ways to improve its competitiveness, reduce its challenges, and boost its ability to earn revenue.

Perhaps the number one technology here is artificial intelligence (AI), which o ers enormous potential to improve a wide range of aspects within the mining industry, but which remains a technology that many are sceptical, if not fearful, about.

In this issue, we look at how mines can leverage AI to advance their businesses and improve their competitiveness, by leveraging a powerful toolset that is capable of unearthing and alleviating the persistent pain points that plague mining operations.

In addition, we focus on a major project that is underway in Botswana, the Letlhakane uranium mine, which is one of the largest undeveloped uranium projects in the world.

free future, but will also provide a safe and healthy work environment, and help in building strong local communities in the surrounding region.

In a sector as dangerous as mining, occupational health and safety (OHS) remains a crucial factor. We report on a meeting between industry bodies, engineering organisations and safety experts, where e orts to improve OHS through industry collaboration and the adoption of innovative technologies were discussed.

Speaking of health and safety, there are many risks faced in this respect, one of which is the danger of overly dusty mining tunnels. We look at how the challenges created here can be mitigated by the implementation of intelligent, sophisticated dust monitoring solutions.

EDITOR

Rodney Weidemann

Tel: 062 447 7803

Email: rodneyw@samining.co.za

ONLINE EDITOR

Stacey Visser

Email: vissers@businessmediamags.co.za

ART DIRECTOR

Shailendra Bhagwandin

Tel: 011 280 5946

Email: bhagwandinsh@arena.africa

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS

Ilonka Moolman

Tel: 011 280 3120

New owners, Lotus Resources, have indicated that the mine’s potential has significantly exceeded initial expectations.

And that once operational, it will not only contribute to a carbon-

sophisticated dust monitoring

Meanwhile, from an environmental perspective, the enormous challenges the country is facing with regard to its rail system are creating a new problem. The road freight sector – which is picking up the rail industry’s slack – is becoming an increasing emitter of greenhouse gases.

Practical freight industry solutions are required to solve this matter.

Following the transition to democracy in South Africa, many things, including key mining legislation, changed. In this issue, we also look at the evolution of mining legislation in the 21st century. By properly understanding the impacts of these changes and what still needs to be addressed, we can see a path to how these laws can help to take mining to a new level in SA.

Pumps are necessary – even vital – machines for mines. Diesel is o en the preferred energy for pump systems, particularly temporary sites, but electrical pumps can be a superior alternative. We investigate the advantages and disadvantages of each, and when it is best to use each type.

We also feature a Q&A that delves into a new partnership between K-Tec and Ukwazi, which the partners hope will revolutionise earthmoving to deliver massive benefits to the mining sector.

Finally, in our cover story, boutique law firm NSDV does a deep dive into the MPRD Act, how good it is currently, what can be done to improve it, and how forthcoming amendments should make it even better.

Email: moolmani@samining.co.za

Tshepo Monyamane

Tel: 011 280 3110

Email: tshepom@samining.co.za

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Neesha Klaaste

Tel: 011 280 5063

Email: neeshak@sahomeowner.co.za

SUB-EDITOR

Andrea Bryce

BUSINESS MANAGER

Lodewyk van der Walt

Email: lodewykv@picasso.co.za

GENERAL MANAGER MAGAZINES

Jocelyne Bayer

SWITCHBOARD

Tel: 011 280 3000

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Neesha Klaaste

Tel: 011 280 5063

Email: neeshak@sahomeowner.co.za

PRINTING

CTP Printers, Cape Town

PUBLISHER Arena Holdings (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 1746, Saxonwold, 2132

Picasso Headline

M PA N Y

SERVICES:

AU TO EN G I N EER I N G

Motor Engineering (Deutz, Perkins, Detroit & all other engine types)

Parts | Engine Remanufacture

Car, LDV, Truck, Bus & Heavy Duty Vehicle Service & Repairs

Diesel Fuel Injections Services (Bosch Accredited)

Field Services (Mining & other Onsite Services)

BARLOWORLD EQUIPMENT UNVEILS STATE-OF-THE-ART BOTSWANA FACILITY

Barloworld Equipment Southern Africa has inaugurated a cutting-edge dealership facility in Phakalane. This significant investment underscores Barloworld’s commitment to delivering exceptional customer service, fostering local economic growth, championing sustainability, and further strengthening its enduring legacy in the nation.

“This milestone underscores our commitment to Botswana. The Phakalane dealership empowers us to provide even greater value to our customers with optimised equipment, service, and advisory capabilities,” says Andronicca Masemola, CEO of Barloworld Equipment Southern Africa.

As a testament to its commitment to environmental responsibility, Barloworld Equipment’s Phakalane facility is one of the first of its kind in Botswana to achieve Excellence in Design for Greater E iciencies (EDGE) certification. The facility boasts significant energy and water savings, and incorporates eco-friendly materials throughout.

The major sustainability highlights include:

■ Solar power: Plans are underway to install a grid-tied solar photovoltaic system, expected to provide 30-50% of the site’s power.

■ Water recycling: A custom-designed hydrocarbon and water recycling system will deliver significant water savings.

■ Waste reduction: Comprehensive waste sorting and storage facilities promote recycling and minimise environmental impact.

He adds that Barloworld Equipment is dedicated to empowering local communities and nurturing talent. The Phakalane facility employs 270 Brand Champions, of which 97% are Botswana nationals, further demonstrating its commitment to local empowerment.

Barloworld Equipment Botswana commits to skills transfer, by ensuring the appointment of local Brand Champions as understudies to all foreign nationals who occupy technical and critical positions within the business.

The state-of-the-art facility will provide customers with a seamless experience, including faster turnaround times on equipment repairs and maintenance, access to a wider range of Cat equipment and machinery, and enhanced technical support from our team of experts.

“For 60 years, we’ve worked hand in hand with Botswana, and this new facility represents our commitment to building an even brighter future, together. It reflects our values of partnership, progress, and sustainability,” says Dominic Sewela, Barloworld Group CEO.

SRK WINS AWARD AT ZIMBABWE ROCK ENGINEERING SYMPOSIUM

At an event held at the Zimbabwe School of Mines, in the second half of 2024, mining geotechnical engineer Fungai Kwangwari of SRK Consulting delivered a technical presentation on ‘A Stability Assessment and Support Design of Dri and Fill Layouts for an Underground Operation’. The presentation earned the Best Technical Presentation award at the Zimbabwe National Institute of Rock Engineering (ZINIRE) symposium in Bulawayo.

“An assessment was carried out to determine the stability of di erent dri sizes and their extraction sequences, identifying any potential safety risk posed by each of the proposed sequences, and recommending on secondary support requirements for final dri s,” she explains.

“The aim was to ensure that dri s were well supported during all stages of mining, to ensure safety of exposed personnel.”

The study made recommendations on the safest practical extraction options. The excavation stability analysis and optimisation were conducted using three-dimensional finite element elastoplastic numerical modelling techniques, to evaluate the condition of the dri s, and to investigate hanging wall stability. The extent of hanging wall damage for di erent dri spans and extraction sequences was determined from the numerical modelling results.

“Furthermore, a kinematic analysis was carried out to determine the stability of potential wedges formed along the excavation perimeter when the dri s intersected with structural discontinuities,” says Kwangwari, a member of SRK’s Mining Geotech team.

“The wedge analysis was conducted for di erent recommended primary patterns for wedge stability support to ensure that the design factor of safety is achieved, thereby limiting uncontrolled falls of ground.”

Fungai Kwangwari.

WE CAN HANDLE THE PRESSURE. GUARANTEED.

GATES UPGRADES BANDLESS V-BELTS WITH NEW EE COMPOSITION

Gates, a global provider of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions, is upgrading its line of bandless V-belts to create more valuable opportunities for customers.

The Super High Capacity Molded Notch (HC MN) Belt composition will be changed from prototypical chloroprene rubber materials to ethylene elastomer (EE) compounds. In addition, the company commenced manufacturing its EE Tri-Power V-belts in Europe in July, o ering shorter lead times and increased availability.

The narrow cross-section Super HC MN caters to customers seeing increased load capacity for new drive designs, while Tri-Power is the classical section V-belt that’s perfect for existing pulleys and drives. Having pioneered EE bandless belts, Gates introduced one of the first maintenance-free versions – Quad-Power 4 – to the market in early 2016.

The launch of the new-generation Super HC MN and TriPower bandless V-belts portfolios in Europe provides further benefits for a whole host of applications, in addition to a longer service life, due to higher wear resistance.

BELL EQUIPMENT AND SAME FOUNDATION LAUNCH REFURBISHED SCIENCE LAB

A newly refurbished science laboratory, sponsored by Bell Equipment under the auspices of the SA Medical and Education (SAME) Foundation, was launched at Forte Secondary School in Dobsonville, Soweto, on 7 August.

SAME Foundation is a non-profit organisation that raises funds and manages socio-economic development allocations to improve the health and education environment in South Africa.

“The science laboratory at this school was in a dilapidated state, and with Bell Equipment’s funding, we could oversee the replacement of the floor, ceiling, windows, doors and security gate, as well as several coats of durable paint,” says SAME Foundation spokesperson Tyrone Pols.

The school also received new laboratory benches, stools and cupboards before new laboratory equipment, applicable to the curriculum, was acquired. Advanced technology has been added, with a touch-screen white board and digital projector.

“We as Bell Equipment employ around 4 000 people worldwide, and as we’ve assisted in the refurbishment and equipping of many similar laboratories and centres of learning in South Africa, it shows that we believe in our youth and the potential that they show,” says Bruce Ndlela, Bell Equipment’s director: business and public sector development.

AECI APPOINTS NEW EXECUTIVE VP: MINING

AECI is excited to announce the appointment of Stuart Miller as executive vice president: mining, e ective 16 September. This strategic appointment underscores AECI’s unwavering commitment to becoming a top three leader in the mining industry by 2030.

He brings over 25 years of experience in the mining sector, having held various influential leadership roles across multiple international mining jurisdictions. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Mining) from the prestigious Western Australian School of Mines.

As a seasoned mining services executive, Miller has worked in more than 20 countries across the Europe, the Middle East and Africa and Asia-Pacific regions. His expertise encompasses strategic planning, project management and cross-cultural leadership, paired with a profound understanding of both the technical and commercial aspects of mining, particularly in the drill and blast sector.

Stuart Miller.

TURNING A GOOD MINING ACT

INTO A GREAT ONE

Law firm NSDV considers the MPRD Act to

be world class –but is still eager to contribute to forthcoming amendments that should make it even better.

By Rodney Weidemann

The Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA), which replaced the previous Minerals Act with e ect from 2004, was a revolution in South Africa’s regulation of mineral resources. No longer were minerals privately owned by the owner of the land – instead, the custodianship of the minerals was vested in the state.

This, explains Lili Nupen, a director at law firm NSDV, ensured equitable access to minerals and resources to all South Africans, and ensured the expansion of opportunities to previously disadvantaged persons, women and communities.

“In my opinion, the MPRDA is a really well thought out and dra ed piece of law. From an administrative law perspective, the majority of the Act takes into account the processes, procedures and criteria that must be addressed, particularly by the majors, in respect of obtaining the requisite licences and rights to operate,” she says.

“This piece of legislation could easily be described as being first world in nature. This makes the Act all the more amazing, since it was first dra ed 20 years ago, yet remains relatively revolutionary.”

Despite this, Nupen suggests that there are areas within the Act that need to be

tweaked. She points to the shi in the way mining is undertaken, over the past two decades, noting the greater impact of modern technologies on things like mining e iciencies.

The massive rise in digital technologies is not currently catered for in the Act, leading Nupen to suggest that an amendment may be needed to ensure that technology implementation and usage is also covered in the MPRDA, by the regulator and mining companies.

INDUSTRY EVOLUTION

“The mining industry has also evolved since the Act – which adopted a one-size-fits-all set of rules – was first proposed, with one of the biggest changes being the surge in artisanal, junior and small-scale miners. Because of their much smaller business size, it is not feasible to apply the Act to them in the same way one would to a large mining enterprise.

“A key area where the Act negatively impacts smaller players is in their ability to conduct exploration, which is a crucial phase of mine development. Exploration determines where the minerals to be mined reside, but if the licence requirements are too stringent for small players, they will never be in a position to explore, much less seek the necessary funding for the operation.”

Nupen says it is thus imperative that we create a situation where juniors and the like can be brought into the broader mining fold, which should also help us to attract greater levels of international investment into the value chain.

“Additional challenges arise around the fact that certain aspects of mining are regulated under the Act, while other aspects now fall under the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA). This is as a result of the introduction of the One Environmental System, which indicates that NEMA, the MPRDA and the National Water Act should work in conjunction with one another,” she says.

“To achieve this, we need proper alignment between these regulations and regulators, although to this point, there are still a number of practical di iculties around achieving this, so many mines are still struggling with the delays created by what is essentially a double or sometimes triple application process.”

NEW AMENDMENTS

Nupen points out that there are numerous amendments needed, many of which are tied to the One Environmental System. Currently, several of the regulations are actually onerous for the Department of Mineral and

Petroleum Resources (DMR) itself, she adds, as the department doesn’t necessarily have the capacity to properly carry out or enforce the regulations they have published.

“There are certainly several new amendments in the pipeline, and the consultation processes around these have already commenced, in order to discuss the proposed changes.

“At this point, the government is consulting with a wide range of stakeholders. This includes various mining regulatory lawyers and firms, including NSDV. A further formal consultation process will be run following publication of the draft amendment for public comment. One point that we may raise includes the potential introduction of the ‘Deeming Provision’.

“How this works is that there are certain time periods set in the law regarding the approval of mining rights applications etc. As long as all the relevant criteria for an application for a mining right are met, then, should government take longer than the law allows to approve the right, the application is automatically deemed to be approved. A similar law in SA could have a major and

positive impact on the local industry.

“This concept would need to be carefully considered though as well as the risks and consequences which may come with its introduction into our law”.

She is quick to point out that while NSDV has yet to see the full amendment bill, the law firm is confident it will tackle the major talking points within the industry, and provide clarity around these.

“Without having seen the bill we can only speculate, although based on the presentation we were given by the DMR on this recently, we have yet to witness any real acknowledgment of the technology issue yet.

“However, it was a point that was clearly raised during the consultation process, so it may well still be covered in the draft bill that comes out.

“The other important point that appears to not have yet been addressed is the issue of a separate dispensation for juniors and small-scale miners. NSDV works closely with numerous juniors, meaning we have a deeper understanding of their challenges and the issues they face, operating under the Act as it stands. Thus we are well placed to

help advise the government further on this matter, should they so wish,” she adds.

“In fact, I have done an exercise off my own bat, to try to determine what aspects of the Act could be relaxed or made more flexible, in order to improve its overall applicability to juniors and small-scale operators. I am now hoping to have the opportunity to sit with the relevant directorsgeneral in the department, to discuss this in-depth.”

Currently of course, says Nupen, a mining organisation in South Africa considers its most important assets to be its licences, permits and rights, because without these, they cannot legally put a spade in the ground.

“This is another area where NSDV comes in, as we understand the legal requirements to obtain and maintain mining rights, and are also able to assist miners to address any non-compliance issues they do have, and help them to overcome these, in order to retain their security of tenure.”

Ultimately, she says, “We are aware of what amendments are coming and when, and can thus advise clients on the entire process, helping them to stay ahead of the game by

NSDV SERVICES

■ Mining and environment: NSDV provides regulatory advice and legal opinions in respect of all applicable legislation relating to mining and prospecting operations, as well as dra ing and lodging applications for mining rights, mining permits and prospecting rights. On the environmental side, the company o ers environmental authorisation and reports, audits and various specialist services.

■ ESG:

We are aware of what amendments are coming and when, and can thus advise clients on the entire process, helping them to stay ahead of the game by ensuring they maintain their compliance. “ “

ensuring they maintain their compliance.”

To this end, NSDV has developed a technology solution called the NSDV Mineral Rights Management System, which is designed to automatically help clients ensure they remain compliant, or become compliant if they aren’t already, she adds.

THE BENEFITS OF BOUTIQUE

NSDV is more than just a law firm, she continues. The company even has its own environmental assessment practitioner who assists the lawyers in the firm through her practical and scientific knowledge to advise clients on a practical level but with the legal parameters.

“We have built a boutique firm that focuses specifically on the mining, environmental, construction, and renewable energy spaces. We have done this because these are all areas that talk to one another. Therefore, if we are to o er holistic advice to a client, we understand that we need to look beyond merely the MPRDA and the mining industry.”

For example, she says, it’s necessary to understand things like the just

transition, green energy and the principle of sustainability, “if our clients hope to mine in a sustainable manner – which is where our environmental practice comes in”.

She says NSDV also has commercial and tax advisers who can assist clients who may be looking to purchase or sell a mine. The company can help them with the requisite authorisations, applications and contracts which form part of the purchase, while NSDV’s strong relationships with the regulators help to ensure a streamlined approach that attempts to curb delays in obtaining these applications and authorisations.

“As we look ahead to the proposed amendments that will further strengthen an already impressive Act, we have to state that the DMR has been inclusive in its consultations, talking to all relevant stakeholders.

“This includes communities, unions, employers and law firms, to name a few, and more so, they appear genuinely interested in hearing these disparate views. This is especially encouraging to witness, and NSDV hopes that the end result will be one that is

Here, the firm partners with clients to integrate best practice strategies for ESG management and reporting into their operations.

■ Corporate and commercial: NSDV has considerable expertise and experience in corporate, commercial and tax matters, and regularly advises clients on how best to navigate the regulatory climate, both from a practical and legal perspective.

■ Construction: The law firm provides help here that ensures its clients’ projects proceed without pricey delays, while remaining fully compliant.

applicable to all the people on the ground.

“At the same time, we hope it will remain flexible enough to encourage greater levels of local and foreign investment into the mining sector, given how important this industry remains to the SA economy,” says Nupen.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MPRD ACT IN MINING

The Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) lies at the heart of mineral regulation in SA, meaning adherence to it is crucial, if mines are to be successful.

The South African mining industry was, for a long time, the bedrock of the economy, and to date, it continues to remain a major contributor. This is why the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) is so crucial – it lies at the heart of mineral regulation in South Africa.

The aim of the MPRDA is to try and balance mineral development, socioeconomic development and the protection of the environment. The MPRDA therefore abolished the private ownership of minerals, instead providing that “mineral resources are the common heritage of all the people of South Africa and the state is the custodian thereof”.

According to Ntsiki Adonisi, head of ENS’s natural resources and environment practice, the MPRDA came into force on 1 May 2004, replacing the Minerals Act of 1991, in terms of which it was possible for private individuals to hold mineral rights or title to minerals. She adds that making the state the custodian of the mineral resources of the country has paved the way for the state to redress the imbalances of the past.

“The MPRDA is important because it prescribes how mining titles are allocated and provides for titles to be allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis; it also enables mining companies to conclude various mining transactions. Furthermore, it has played a pivotal role in driving transformation in the country and enabling the formation, emergence and

growth of black-owned mining companies in SA,” she says.

“Of course, the MPRDA is not without its shortcomings. Over the years, we have witnessed growing regulatory uncertainty, and mine communities growing increasingly unhappy with benefits – or the lack thereof – delivered by mining companies, as prescribed in social and labour plans.”

The MPRDA is important because it prescribes how mining titles are allocated and provides for titles to be allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis; it also enables mining companies to conclude various mining transactions. “ “

WHAT IS COVERED AND WHAT IS NOT

The MPRDA, continues Adonisi, makes provision for mining companies to conclude mining transactions. In terms of section 11, prospecting and mining right holders may, inter alia, sell, cede or dispose of their titles to third parties, provided that the minister has first consented to that sale.

“The MPRDA also deals with mine closure. A holder of a mining title is required to have an environmental management plan or

environmental management programme, as the case may be. A holder is also required to make financial provisions for the rehabilitation or management of negative environmental impacts caused by mining operations.

“The MPRDA also recognises the need to promote local and rural development, and the social rise of communities a ected by mining. An applicant for a mining right is therefore required to compile a social and labour plan to, among others, ensure that holders of mining rights contribute towards the socio-economic development of the areas in which they are operating.”

In relation to mining titles, she notes that the MPRDA contains deadlines pertaining to the requirements that applicants must satisfy in order for the application to be assessed. In relation to prospecting rights, this is provided for. However, the MPRDA is silent on when the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) must have granted a mining right.

“Consequently, as has been the experience in practice, it may take months or even years for the DMRE to grant or refuse applications for mining rights (and all other mining titles). This has been exacerbated by the SA Mineral Resources Administration Database, which, ironically, was supposed to improve turnaround times for applications for prospecting and mining licences,” she states.

“Old-order mine dumps, which were mine dumps created in terms of the pre-MPRDA regime, are currently not regulated by the

Experienced lawyers can navigate the intricacies of this highly complex area of law and ensure compliance. This is all the more important today, given the prominence of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles to this sector. “ “

MPRDA. Consequently, common law owners of such dumps are free to process them, without the need to obtain a mining title under the MPRDA.”

Adonisi explains that the MPRDA failed to consider historic dumps, which was confirmed in the De Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd v Ataqua Mining (Pty) Ltd and Others (3215/06) [2007] ZAFSHC 74. In this case, the court held that minerals contained in historic dumps did not occur naturally in or on the earth, nor did they constitute residue stockpiles. Therefore, they did not fall within the definition of “minerals” in the MPRDA.

In 2008, the DMRE unsuccessfully attempted to include historic dumps in the MPRDA, by amending the definitions of “residue stockpiles” and “residue deposits” to include historic dumps.

EVOLUTION OVER 20 YEARS

“The last 20 years have produced unprecedented success stories. The success stories are, however, doused by some of the shortcomings and controversies arising from the interpretation of the MPRDA,” she adds.

“Over the past two decades, the MPRDA has been subject to several controversies and legal challenges, particularly in terms of the evolving rules regarding black economic empowerment, and the wide discretion given to the government in administering the sector.”

Regardless of these controversies, she indicates that by far the biggest challenge to the MPRDA and its various amendments is the lack of enforcement. The DMRE has taken various steps to address the uncertainty, but it remains to be seen whether these steps will yield positive results for the industry.

Furthermore, despite South Africa having a mature mining industry, the

cadastral system is yet to be implemented. Nonetheless, the DMRE confirmed earlier this year that it is on track to implement a functioning mining cadastral system in the near future.

THE ROLE OF LAW FIRMS

“At ENS, our expertise covers the circle of mining – from exploration, to mining and beneficiation, to downscaling and closure. We advise clients from startup exploration projects to well-established mining projects,” she says.

“We advise clients on mining aspects of equity and asset acquisitions, disposals and corporate restructuring, and black economic empowerment transactions, as well as on distressed mining assets and royalties in the mining sector. We also advise clients on the integrity, security of tenure and variation of mining titles.”

ENS also assists clients in the execution and registration of mining titles, continues Adonisi, as well as mining disputes, including administrative appeals and judicial reviews. The firm further assists in the structuring, dra ing, negotiating and reviewing of various types of agreements, in compliance with the MPRDA, including the appropriate conditions precedents, warranties and indemnities.

“The MPRDA is an intricate piece of legislation which su ers from various interpretational challenges, not to mention that mining law as a whole is complex –as previous mining law statutes are still relevant, and regard has to be had for them in certain instances.

“Experienced lawyers can navigate the intricacies of this highly complex area of law and ensure compliance. This is all the more important today, given the prominence of environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles to this sector.”

STRATEGIC MPRDA OBJECTIVES:

■ Transformation of the industry by increasing black ownership and participation.

■ Attracting investment and growing the mining sector.

■ Mine health and safety, with emphasis on a reduction in mine injuries and fatalities.

■ Implementation of the shale gas action plan.

■ Implementation of the Mining Charter.

It should be understood that the MPRDA has far-reaching consequences for the mining industry. Firstly, the MPRDA gives the right to conduct mining or prospecting operations. Once the right has been obtained, the need for compliance remains, and non-compliance with the provisions of the MPRDA may result in penalties.

“A er 20 years, the DMRE is now in the process of amending the MPRDA, and is currently consulting with key stakeholders. ENS looks forward to reviewing the Bill once it has been gazetted for public comment, and hopes that it will deal with the current uncertainties in the MPRDA, in order to facilitate the ease of doing business in South Africa,” concludes Adonisi.

Ntsiki Adonisi.

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THE EVOLUTION

OF MINING LEGISLATION

It has been 30 years since the advent of democracy in SA, and mining laws have evolved in that time, making the industry a safer and more effective sector.

Much has changed for the mining industry in the 30 years since the advent of democracy in South Africa. There have been numerous alterations made to mining legislation over the past three decades, most of which have improved the sector significantly.

According to Lili Nupen, director at law firm NSDV, which are specialists in all aspects of Mining Law, Environmental Law and Mine Health and Safety, numerous changes have been made in this period, with the main one being when the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) came into e ect in 2004.

Prior to this, she explains, SA depended on the Minerals Act of 1991 which, in essence, stipulated that the owner of the land on which a mining right was sought also owned all the minerals found underneath their property.

“The MPRDA changed this significantly, as the new government in 1994 changed the law so that the state became the custodian of the minerals. This meant that mining licence applicants now needed to apply to the government for prospecting and mining rights for these minerals,” she says.

“By making the state the ultimate custodian of the minerals, government sought to encourage greater opportunities to bring historically disadvantaged people into the sector, and encourage their participation in the mining industry.”

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Another major change brought in by the democratic regime was the introduction of the One Environmental System, which was cra ed in collaboration with several departments, including those of Energy and the Environment. The aim, adds Nupen, is to streamline the regulatory approvals and authorisations’ processes for the minerals industry.

“There have been di iculties with the implementation of the system, despite how good it is in theory. Environmental concerns di er according to industry, so when one considers that mining as a whole degrades the environment, it is not surprising that here there has been a strong focus on mining responsibly and sustainably.

“It’s worth noting that in the past, very little attention was paid to issues like repairing and rehabilitating the environment. The new system demands that licence holders focus on sustainable mining, and more, take responsibility for the rehabilitation of nature following the mine’s closure.”

One challenge facing the MPRDA that Nupen outlines is the growth in the junior mining and artisanal mining sectors. She notes that the current Act tends to be onesize-fits-all legislation, which means it overregulates the smaller companies in the industry. This is a double impact, as these businesses already struggle with a lack of

finance, funding and backing, making it tough to a ord to apply for and acquire the mining rights for particular resources.

Perhaps the biggest problem with the MPRDA, she continues, is the tangible lack of enforcement. This encompasses both the enforcement of the law when a mine does something wrong, and the enforcement of government-run licensing deadlines. It cannot be the case that a mine is promised an answer within two weeks, but it only arrives a er two years. Here is where the entire sector is dependent on the implementation of the new mining cadastral, which should speed up licence processing and ensure deadlines are e ectively met.

“From my perspective, our laws are generally world class – so the majority of challenges the sector faces are not due to problematic legislation. That said, there are certain areas where the law is behind the pace, such as in governing the rapid adoption of digital technologies across the industry.

“This because the existing laws are based on what the sector looked like more than 20 years ago, and the many advances in technology since mean that tweaks may be needed to address some minor issues related to these technologies. However, these are not major legal overhauls, and so the key focus of mining law in the 21st century should remain on implementation,” concludes Nupen.

VIEWING AFRICA AS ONE ENTITY IS AFFECTING THE CONTINENT’S MINING POTENTIAL

Africa is home to 30% of the globe’s critical minerals, but the perception of the continent as a homogeneous entity often leads to a one-size-fi ts-all mining mentality among global companies and investors.

Africa is ideally positioned to become the 21st century’s economic growth engine, driven by a combination of favourable demographics, abundant natural resources, and rapid technological adoption.

With the youngest population globally, a burgeoning middle class, and significant natural resources, the continent is set to harness its potential for substantial economic development. Mining is an industry brimming with potential, as a vast majority of Earth’s critical minerals and metals lie beneath our soil’s surface.

By Reon Barnard Director of Jabali Mining Services and Co-Founder of BCR Holdings

As a South African mining entrepreneur, with a mining business with interest and impact across 26 African countries, I have witnessed firsthand the immense potential of South Africa and the broader African continent in the mining industry. There are two factors that I’d like to highlight that have contributed to the increasing interest in our continent’s mining industry.

A CONTINENT RICH IN NATURAL RESOURCES

Firstly, Africa is home to 30% of the globe’s critical minerals, and various African nations are at the forefront of their respective industries.

South Africa, for instance, possesses 80% of the world’s platinum group metals reserves; Morocco has more than 50 billion tonnes of phosphate reserves (70% of the world’s total); the Democratic Republic of the Congo has the world’s largest cobalt reserves. Mozambique and Tanzania jointly hold 13% of the world’s graphite, and Gabon has the world’s second-largest manganese deposits. Furthermore, Africa produces 65% of the world’s diamond supply and almost 30% of global gold production.

Secondly, Africa is set to become an even more prominent global supplier, and there are several macro-economic shi s, technological advances, and supply chain opportunities contributing to this.

Increased demand: Projections are that the demand for critical metals will more than double by 2030 and quadruple by 2050. Experts estimate that global revenues from just four key minerals, namely copper, nickel, cobalt, and lithium, will reach $16-trillion over the next 25 years, of which Sub-Saharan Africa could reap over 10%, says the International Monetary Fund.

Renewable energy: According to the International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook Special Report, renewable energy technologies could drive 40% of total copper and rare earth elements demand, 60-70% of total nickel and cobalt demand, and 90% of lithium demand. Around a third of the world’s green mineral reserves reside in Africa, providing a significant opportunity for our continent.

Raw vs refined: At present, Africa mainly exports minerals in their raw states. By developing local processing plants to increase their capacity to export refined goods or products instead, mining would drive even more economic development for the continent. Take raw bauxite, for example, which sells for $65 per tonne but at $2 335 per tonne as processed aluminium.

UNDERSTANDING AFRICA’S UNIQUENESS

While global platforms, such as the annual London Indaba, are critical for the advancement of the entire industry, one impression that these Africa-focused mining events has created is quite problematic. A viewpoint that is more common than expected is the detrimental notion that Africa is one entity, instead of a continent consisting of 42 currencies, 54 countries, 3 000 languages, and almost 1.5 billion people.

While this may seem more like a geographical faux pas, this viewpoint is leading to a one-size-fits-all mining mentality among global companies and investors. Approaching Africa as a single entity – similar to seeing it as a country instead of a continent – creates various misconceptions about not only the distinct mining challenges that each nation faces, but also the needed solutions and future opportunities.

By ignoring the diverse cultures, political environments, available infrastructure and development of each country, and adopting a blanket strategic approach, one cannot expect to successfully localise operations.

Only once global mining entities understand that a successful operational strategy in Namibia cannot be deployed in a cookiecutter way for South Africa, can productive discussions about Africa’s role in the bigger scheme of mining start.

THINK LOCAL BEFORE GLOBAL

A case in point would be the recent DRC Mining Week in the DRC. Although acknowledgement was made to the country’s integral part of the broader global mining community, the most pressing issue discussed was artisanal (small-scale) mining, and the associated environmental damage and ethical issues. In contrast, SA’s annual Mining Indaba centred on the disruption of the mining industry through technological and other advancements, to realise a lower carbon future.

Africa’s diversity is its true strength, and this should be a clear message from all mining countries to the rest of the world. Some African countries feel so strongly about stimulating the local growth of their industries that they made headlines with controversial decisions to put export bans on unprocessed critical minerals – this includes Namibia, Ghana, and Zimbabwe.

Although this goes against the grain of exponential global growth, the learning is that a unique and insights-based strategic path must be plotted for each specific African country when it comes to the mining industry. Global mining entities must prioritise their understanding of each country’s unique contributions and capabilities, economic growth forecasts, and future mining capabilities first.

Only once robust mining strategies have been refined, per region, can the true sum of Africa’s potential as a major global supplier be envisioned and realised.

The views expressed are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect SA Mining’s editorial policy.

JOBURG INDABA TO GET TO THE CRUX OF MINING’S CHALLENGES

The 2024 Joburg Indaba aims to contribute to timely and critical discussions on the mining industry and the way forward for South Africa.

The 12th edition of the Joburg Indaba will take place on 2 and 3 October at the Inanda Club, Sandton, and will bring together key industry stakeholders to contribute to timely and critical discussions on the mining industry and the way forward for South Africa.

Delegates will include mining companies, government, state-owned enterprises, investors, business and societal organisations and industry thought leaders.

One of the standout features of the Joburg Indaba is the many critical and constructive conversations that are had at the event. The Joburg Indaba remains committed to serving the industry with robust discussions that get to the crux of key issues.

SOME TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED INCLUDE:

■ How mining can contribute to the re-industrialisation of the country and inclusive economic growth.

■ The role of critical enablers of the mining industry, including Eskom and Transnet.

■ How private-public partnerships can help solve South Africa’s infrastructure challenges.

■ How mining companies are preparing for the energy transition.

■ What cost containment and capital allocation strategies mining companies are implementing.

■ How the adoption of new technologies is enabling the industry to create the mines of the future.

The event will once again bring

together an outstanding panel of speakers, including CEOs and senior representatives from all major mining houses, local and international investors, government, parastatals, experts from legal and advisory firms, and representatives from communities and organised labour.

With the Government of National Unity still in its infancy, a key discussion will be around what implications this will have for the local mining sector, and for the country as a whole.

Delegates will have the opportunity to enjoy investor perspectives on the industry, and discussions on cost containment in the current political and economic climate. Community relations will also be discussed, as leading industry figures will provide important inputs on developments having a direct impact on the sector, including Eskom’s turnaround strategies.

Mineral and Petroleum Resources

Minister Gwede Mantashe will deliver the

closing keynote address. Other guests will include Duncan Wanblad, Anglo American Group CE; Eskom Holdings Chair Dr Mteto Nyati; Transnet Group CE Adv. Michelle Phillips; Business Unity president South Africa Mxolisi Mgojo; Exxaro Resources CEO and Minerals Council president SA Dr Nombasa Tsengwa; Peter Steenkamp, CEO at Harmony Gold; Richard Stewart, SibanyeStillwater Chief Regional O icer (Africa); Mpumi Zikalala, CEO at Kumba Iron Ore; Anglo American Platinum CEO Craig Miller; and Ntsiki Adonisi, head of natural resources and environment practice at law firm ENS.

With the Government of National Unity still in its infancy, a key discussion will be around what implications this will have for the local mining sector, and for the country as a whole. There will also be a focus on how we ensure economic recovery and prosperity, safeguard essential infrastructure, achieve energy security while increasing the production of clean energy, and increase foreign direct investment, while also collaborating on socio-economic development.

The 2024 Joburg Indaba will be held both in person and online, thereby providing an opportunity for people around the world to tune in for the event, either whole or in part, or to watch it a erwards.

Ultimately, delegates to the event will have the chance to enjoy insights into how all stakeholders can work together, to ensure that the industry grasps the opportunities of the future and contributes towards economic recovery and development.

A SHIFT TOWARDS EXCELLENCE

Driving effi ciencies and sustained organisational performance starts, quite logically, with one’s people – Capacitate your leaders for consistent, successful shifts.

Aristotle famously wrote that ‘we are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit’, notes OIM Consulting CEO, Arjen de Bruin. He explains that, given his experience in management consulting, he o en finds himself quizzed by clients, friends and family on the ‘secret’ to operational excellence.

“I am frequently asked, what must one do to move the needle, trimming costs while boosting yield? My response is that, while the ‘how’ takes a bit more unpacking, the ‘what’ is easy: it all comes down to ensuring that every single shi is successful,” he says.

“What does a successful shi look like? A focused, well-communicated performance plan for the day. Teamwork. No lost time injuries (LTI) or accidents. Minimal unplanned downtime and maximum machine availability. Targets that are met. Workers who are healthy, happy and home safe. If you can achieve this consistently, I can guarantee that you will be well on your way to operational excellence.”

A successful shi is, of course, contingent on the performance of the workforce, which is why OIM believes that driving e iciencies and sustained organisational performance must start with an organisation’s people. And this is where your front-line leaders come in.

“The supervisor is the hub of the wheel,”

says de Bruin. “They are vital to ensuring that targets are achieved. This is also typically where the majority of companies need the most help: we have found that 91% of supervisors follow an unstructured and reactive approach to job execution, and only

OIM has a proven, integrated approach that has been designed to equip supervisors with the required skillsets, toolsets, and mindsets for e ective role execution. “ “

17% have the required competencies for their role.”

“We also see, in our assessments, that critical operational competencies such as planning and organising, along with

analysis and problem-solving, remain the lowest-scoring ones across the board at mines – making a successful shi di icult to achieve.”

The question that must be asked, then, is how do we change this? OIM, he continues, has a proven, integrated approach that has been designed to equip supervisors with the required skillsets, toolsets, and mindsets for e ective role execution.

“The intervention encompasses baseline competency and role assessments, followed by interactive classroom learning, and extensive measurable on-the-floor coaching. This coaching is a key di erentiator, which unlocks productivity benefits. It drives daily performance and – by reinforcing the real-life application of the principles learned in the classroom, and introducing customised tools for the environment – we can embed new habits and practices into the supervisor’s day, ensuring these are consistently applied.”

“Sustainability is created through building internal capacity among direct managers, integrating the new way of doing things into all core processes, and establishing regular audits for ongoing measurement. It’s about creating competent leaders, instilling e icient processes, and fostering high-performing cultures. In this way, we can help our customers to ensure that every shi is a successful one,” concludes de Bruin.

LETLHAKANE MINE

PROVIDES HOPE FOR A GREENER FUTURE

One of the largest undeveloped uranium projects in the world, Letlhakane aims to build strong local communities, a safe and healthy work environment, and make a positive contribution to a carbon-free future.

By Rodney Weidemann

The Letlhakane uranium mine in Botswana is one of the most promising mining projects in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. It is considered to be one of the largest undeveloped uranium projects in the world, with a resource base of 155Mt at 345ppm (parts per million) for 118 million pounds (lbs) of contained uranium.

Acquired by Lotus Resources in November 2023, the company notes that there are numerous advantages to the project, for example it is located close to high-quality infrastructure, with a sealed road, rail line and power line nearby, and Francistown – a major population centre – located within 50km of the project.

Its new owner, Australia-based Lotus Resources, is described as a leading ASX-listed uranium developer, which owns 100% of the Letlhakane Uranium Project, and an 85% interest in the Kayelekera Uranium Project in Malawi.

According to Keith Bowes, MD at Lotus Resources, the company’s vision is to be a responsible uranium producer. It will achieve this by building strong local communities, a safe and healthy work environment, and making a positive contribution to a carbon-free future.

PLANNING

AND REDEVELOPMENT

“At the present moment, we are progressing beneficiation test work, geometallurgical modelling, leaching testwork and a mining study. Furthermore, we already have some of the key permits and licences in place to facilitate development and startup of operations, including a mining licence, environmental licence, water rights, and provisional surface rights,” he says.

“We are also well placed in terms of transportation facilities, as the core deposit is located next to the main highway from Gaborone and Francistown. There is also a rail line and a rail siding within the mining lease boundary, along with an electrical switchgear/substation.”

He says the previous owners had also identified a groundwater source, meaning that many of the usual infrastructure problems a project like this may face have already had their boxes ticked, and there was no need to expend capital on these, when the mine is built.

“Lotus plans to increase the head grade of the feed material to the mill, through a combination of updated mineral resource modelling and beneficiation test work on the run-of-mine material. We will also develop an alternate process flow sheet to increase the uranium recovery rate and reduce acid consumption, the latter of which is a significant contributor to plant operating costs.”

According to the latest mineral resource estimate, the mine contains at least 118 million pounds of uranium, based on a 200ppm cut-o grade, he says. “These resources should produce around three to four million pounds of uranium per year, over the anticipated 20-year life-of-mine. This is a strong production profile, particularly when compared to similar such mines.”

Asked about the global market for uranium, Bowes points out that the final destination for the product from commercial uranium mines is only to nuclear utilities that produce electricity, providing fuel for their nuclear reactors.

“We expect to mostly supply North America and the European Union, with South Korea and Japan as other options. Uranium is popular today because electricity generated through these facilities has no attendant greenhouse gas emissions, meaning nuclear is a green energy source that can operate 24/7/365, and one that is far more stable than solar or wind,” he continues.

HANDLING THE COSTS

“One of our key focuses will be to keep operating costs at a minimum, which is why we have placed so much scrutiny on mining and processing methodologies, not to mention leveraging various modelling solutions to more e ectively determine costs.”

– Bowes “ “

Our vision is to be a responsible uranium producer that builds strong local communities, a safe and healthy work environment, and makes a positive contribution to a carbon-free future.

He says modelling enables the project to more accurately determine the value of the minerals in the ground, as well as the cost to mine and to process the material.

Geometallurgical modelling helps Lotus understand and predict operational costs, and is part of its process to help determine the most optimal methods for reducing costs, while maintaining a steady rate of production and increasing the profit margin.

“When undertaking mineral resource modelling, one of the key things to look at is the cut-o grade of the material. We are trying to identify the most economic blocks to mine, as these will be more cost e ective to mine and process,” says Bowes.

Bowes indicates that one of the major contributors to operating costs is acid consumption. Acid is required to leach the uranium from the ore, but the aim is to reduce the amount of acid used, to make the overall operation more profitable.

“Our goal is to optimise our acid consumption, by focusing on specific issues, such as the size the material is crushed down to, the addition points, and the strength (g/l) of acid when it was added. The aim is to use the least amount of acid to recover the highest amount of uranium.”

PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES

Bowes notes that from a local workforce perspective – even during the current onsite

activities, like infill and exploration drilling, monitoring and sampling – the company uses as many locals as it can, indicating that somewhere between 20 and 30 are already employed from the surrounding villages.

“Once the mine is operational, we expect to employ a workforce of around 700-800 people in total, with the mining contractor employing 200-300 more. Overall, our workforce should be over 1 000 workers, and we will certainly source as many as we can locally, both from the surrounding villages, and from the larger towns like Francistown and Gaborone.”

Speaking to the projected operational start date, he points out that Lotus is still in the planning stages, identifying the best and most e ective ways to mine and process the material. With plenty of technical work still to be done, he expects it will be a further two to three years before construction of the requisite facilities begins.

“Essentially, the timeline is firmly in our hands, because we already have the necessary licences in hand. Therefore, once the technical work is complete and we know what we want to build and how – as well as how it will all be financed – I believe it’ll take around a further 18-24 months a er deciding before operations begin. So we can expect a start date somewhere in the 2029 period.

“There is no doubt uranium is a key commodity at present, as nuclear power

Some fast facts about Lotus’ other uranium mine in Malawi:

■ Purchased by Lotus in 2020

■ Production rate of 2.4-2.5m ppa

■ Total anticipated production of 46-47m pounds

■ Planned opening in 2025

■ Expected to contribute 2-4% of Malawi’s GDP

facilities contribute to the global electricity supply and o er security of supply as well, while further helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“Letlhakane has a significant amount of uranium that will positively impact on the climate crisis, while also o ering a huge financial impact on the surrounding communities. Ultimately, it will be a commercially attractive proposition for both ourselves and the government, and should have a significant impact on Botswana’s economy,” says Bowes.

KAYELEKERA MINE

SENWES CONSTRUCTION

YOUR CONSTRUCTION AND MINING PARTNER

The Senwes agricultural company has been a partner to farmers for well over 100 years already. The company, which has a footprint in seven of South Africa’s nine provinces, as well as in Eastern Germany, prides itself on moving forward and adapting technology to meet its customers’ needs. The John Deere brand, specifically, has played a huge role in making this a reality.

John Deere first launched its construction – or “yellow” – brand in 1957. Senwes only recently became a registered John Deere construction, forestry and mining dealer, but now not only sells this top-quality equipment, but also the parts for these machines.

With properly trained and qualified personnel, the company is able to ensure that maintenance on an organisation’s yellow machines is a stress-free experience. Furthermore, with 28 branches, and 14 workshops and field services across the Free State, North West, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Western Cape, it has

experienced people throughout the country that its clients can call on at any time to be of service.

Senwes has positioned itself to cover its clients’ equipment needs from A to Z, with a range of John Deere bulldozers, excavators, backhoes, ADT dump trucks, wheel loaders, motor graders and skid steers, as well as a forestry range.

Moreover, with JD Link fitted to the equipment, customers have access to a 24hour call centre on their phone or computer. And since Senwes has a direct connection to the mechanical service centre, the company can be of service before they can say “yellow”.

As a John Deere dealer, the company is also positioned to provide an extended warranty on equipment, and can further assist with add-on service plans. Ultimately, as the equipment provider, the business celebrates its clients’ investments, and promises not only the best service, but also the least amount of downtime possible.

BAUGHAN’S NEW RANGE

SHOWS COMMITMENT TO ITS CUSTOMERS

The Baughan Group introduces new haulage solutions aimed at driving zero harm and higher productivity for its customers.

During the recent Electra Mining show, the Baughan Group introduced advanced haulage solutions to the underground coal mining industry, aimed at driving zero harm and higher productivity, through product solutions.

The Baughan Group has always had a strong commitment to working closely with its customers, as it focuses on the manufacture and distribution of parts and equipment to the global mining industry, railway and material handling markets.

With a reputation for the successful design, build, rebuild and service of custom mining equipment globally, the company draws upon the resources of a worldwide network of companies. Its goal is to exceed its customers’ expectations by engineering quality and precision into every product and service it provides.

“We have a strong commitment to working closely with our customers in addressing market needs,” says Roger Baughan, president and CEO of the Baughan Group. “We continuously work to improve our market position through innovative design, manufacturing, procurement and superior service, concentrating on what we know best.”

Established in 1996, the Baughan Group purchased Coal Age – a manufacturing and underground machinery rebuilder located in West Frankfort, Illinois, in the United States. In 1999 it expanded internationally, with the purchase of SA companies Salchain and Swasap. In 2020, it acquired the Phillips Machine Services company, which was founded in 1976 by brothers Jack and Jim Phillips.

This acquisition positions the Baughan Group of companies to provide new original

We have a strong commitment to working closely with our customers in addressing market needs. “ “

equipment manufacturer mining equipment, machine rebuilds, refurbishments, and full a ermarket support and repair services to the underground coal mining industry. The company remains committed to the industries it serves, by providing high-quality products and exceptional customer support.

The haulage solutions introduced at Electra Mining by the Baughan Group include the Phillips Global range of shuttle cars, notably the HC16B Shuttle Car, with a rated capacity of 16 tonnes, and the HC20B Shuttle Car, which o ers a rated capacity of some 20 tonnes.

“Our shuttle cars o er increased capacity as well, approximately 12% more than any of our competitors, which translates to high productivity at the lowest cost. All our models o er a variable speed conveyor for reduced discharge time and less spillage,” says Baughan.

“They also o er improved wheel unit design, with patented integrated kingpin lubrication pumps, for increased life and reduced running costs. There is also a patented heavy-duty conveyor reducer design, for increased life and reduced running costs.”

He says the organisation can draw on the resources of a worldwide network of companies.

“Our focus is always on engineering quality and precision into every product and service we provide, and we continue to have a strong commitment to working closely with our customers in addressing their individual needs.

“We continuously work to improve our market position through innovative design, manufacturing, procurement and superior service, concentrating on what we know best,” he says.

NEW PARTNERSHIP AIMS TO REVOLUTIONISE MINING IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

African-based specialist mining services company Ukwazi has teamed up with multinational equipment provider, K-Tec. SA Mining spoke to Ukwazi MD, Jaco Lotheringen, to unpack this partnership.

Q: WHY HAVE YOUR TWO ORGANISATIONS JOINED FORCES, AND WHAT DO YOU EACH BRING TO THIS PARTNERSHIP?

A: While advising a client on the possible purchase of a mine, we assessed various strategies that the new owner could use to maximise the value of the opportunity. Our contract manager, Werner Louw, came up with the idea to consider scrapers to potentially improve the e iciency of the operations. We then realised that we do not need loader units if we chose self-loading pull scrapers.

A er a thorough search on equipment types and sizes, we found that the K-Tec range would not only be the best fit for the specific opportunity we were investigating, but also for our mining target market in Sub-Saharan Africa.

A er several engagements with K-Tec, we started to really understand the broader applications, costs, and other benefits, which meant that forming a partnership to reach the SubSaharan target market made sense. K-Tec brought to the table its internationally tried-and-tested yellow equipment, while we o ered our experience in mine design and contracting, allowing both parties to expand their footprint in the region, at a time when mining contracting expertise is increasingly being sought a er.

Q: HOW DO YOU ENVISION THIS PARTNERSHIP REVOLUTIONISING EARTHMOVING AND MINING IN SUBSAHARAN AFRICA?

A: The pull scrapers we recommend – when applied to the appropriate application – can revolutionise things. They benefit the mine owners in terms of reduced costs, improved safety, lower operational complexity and lower emissions, due to lower diesel consumption. Mines need less equipment, less time and fewer operators to secure the same or similar results. Based on our bench-marking and first-principle cost estimates, the cost savings range from 20% to 50%.

Q: HOW WILL THIS NEW PARTNERSHIP PROVIDE SAFE CONTRACT MINING AND SITE CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS, AND WHAT SORT OF COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE WILL THIS OFFER?

A: In addition to the design and configuration of our scrapers, hazard control and accident prevention systems that are part of the equipment, safety is also dependent on the awareness, concern, prudence, and proper training of personnel involved in the operation, maintenance, transport, and storage of the scraper.

Having less equipment onsite further translates into better safety, because the risk of accidents is reduced. The competitive advantages emerged a er we started doing the detailed cost estimates. We found that the cost saving was not limited to the cost of ownership, but also to diesel consumption.

Q: IN WHAT WAYS WILL THIS COLLABORATION IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT FOR CLIENTS?

A: Clients’ environmental footprints are improved by savings in diesel consumption, when replacing dry mining applications; and by saving water when replacing wet mining applications. Introducing ADT pull scrapers allows us to respond to our clients’ ever-increasing focus on cost-e ective and sustainable mining practices, which are low on harmful emissions, and which protect scarce water resources. The introduction of ADT pull scrapers has a substantial role to play in the Sub-Saharan mining sector to reduce cost, and lower diesel and water consumption.

Q: ULTIMATELY, IN WHAT WAYS WILL YOUR END-CUSTOMERS BENEFIT FROM THIS PARTNERSHIP, AND HOW DO YOU SEE IT IMPACTING OVERALL ON THE MINING INDUSTRY?

A: We believe that the Ukwazi and K-Tec partnership o ers mine owners and mining contractors the right return on investment equation that also delivers pragmatic solutions that increase the speed and ease of loading, are low-maintenance, deliver fuel e iciency and o er both improved performance under so underfoot conditions, and better ESG performance.

SANY’S COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE, INNOVATION, AND COMMUNITY Driving Mining Forward through Quality

By Hennie Louw, Head of Marketing - Sany Southern Africa

At Sany, quality is more than a feature it’s our culture. Our dedication to excellence is reflected in every aspect of our operations, from equipment design and manufacturing to customer interactions

At Sany Southern Africa, we believe that quality changes the world. This philosophy guides our approach to the mining industry, influencing our innovations, investments, and interactions with both our team and clients. As we expand our footprint in mining, we're not just offering machinery we're delivering a vision for the future, built on excellence, local empowerment, and unwavering commitment.

A Vision Geared for Progress

Our journey in the mining industry is driven by a clear vision: to be a catalyst for progress and innovation. Recognizing mining's vital role in Africa's development, we're committed to providing solutions that are technologically advanced and sustainable, tailored to the industry's unique challenges.

We believe that innovation and quality are inseparable. We strive to redefine what's possible in mining equipment, pushing boundaries to create machinery that enhances productivity, safety, and efficiency. This forward-thinking ensures we're always ready to meet the industry's evolving needs.

Harnessing Local Talent

Our commitment extends beyond products. We believe that people are our greatest asset. By harnessing local talent, we're investing in our company's future and contributing to the communities we serve.

We prioritize recruiting and developing local professionals, providing opportunities for growth within the company. Through training programs, mentorship, and career advancement, we're building a team as dynamic and diverse as the industry itself. This fosters ownership and pride among employees, translating into better service and stronger client relationships.

Quality Products, Quality Culture

At Sany, quality is more than a feature it's our culture. Our dedication to excellence is reflected in every aspect of our operations, from equipment design and manufacturing to customer interactions. We maintain rigorous quality control to ensure every Sany machine meets the highest standards of performance and reliability.

Our corporate culture emphasizes collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement. We encourage team members to share ideas, challenge conventions, and strive for excellence. This environment enhances job satisfaction and leads to innovations benefiting our customers and the industry.

Investing in the Future

Understanding the mining industry's demands, we've made significant investments to meet today's needs and anticipate tomorrow's challenges. Our new headquarters in East

Rand, a R300 million development, stands as a testament to our longterm commitment to the region and industry.

This state-of-the-art facility is more than an office—it's a hub for innovation, training, and community engagement. Equipped with advanced technology, it enables us to provide unparalleled support and service. By investing in infrastructure, we're positioning ourselves as the preferred partner for mining companies across Southern Africa.

Introducing Our Mining Product Range

Aligned with our commitment to innovation and excellence, we're proud to introduce our new product range for the mining industry: the robust SY750 Excavator, versatile SAT40 Articulated Dump Truck, and powerful SYL978 Wheeled Loader.

Each machine is engineered with the latest technology, ensuring superior performance, durability, and efficiency. We've incorporated industry feedback to design equipment that exceeds mining operations' rigorous demands. Whether improving fuel efficiency, enhancing operator comfort, or increasing payload capacity, our new range is set to redefine mining equipment standards.

Our Unwavering Commitment

Sany Southern Africa is here to stay. Our commitment to the mining industry is unwavering, and we're dedicated to building long-term relationships based on trust, quality, and mutual success. We understand mining is more than an industry—it's a community. That's why we're involved in initiatives supporting local communities, from job creation to corporate social responsibility programs.

Our "Sany Experience" is about more than transactions; it's about partnerships. We work closely with clients to understand their unique challenges and provide solutions that drive efficiency and profitability. Offering comprehensive after-sales support, training, and maintenance, we ensure clients can rely on us every step of the way.

Conclusion

At Sany Southern Africa, we're not just selling equipment—we're investing in the future of the mining industry. Through our commitment to quality, innovation, and community, we're striving to make a lasting impact. We invite you to join us on this journey towards a more prosperous, efficient, and sustainable mining sector. Together, we can build a better tomorrow.

we're

“Sany Southern Africa is here to stay. Our commitment to the mining industry is unwavering, and we’re dedicated to building long-term relationships” Hennie Louw

Sany Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd Tel: 011 918 0318 enquiries@sanysouthafrica.com www.sanysouthafrica.com

GOLD FIELDS BOOSTS SAFETY WITH MIGRATION TO AWS

Gold Fields’ strategic migration of its SAP and treasury systems to Amazon Web Services marks a signifi cant leap forward in the gold producer’s digital transformation.

One of the world’s largest gold mining firms, Gold Fields, has moved its SAP workloads to Amazon Web Services (AWS), in order to modernise and optimise its operations and digitally transform its business.

Gold Fields is a global gold producer with operations across several continents, and has, as part of its digital transformation strategy, migrated its end-to-end SAP and treasury systems to AWS.

This collaboration has enabled the gold producer to modernise technology infrastructure, while enabling AWS’s analytics, machine learning (ML), and generative artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to unlock future insights for them. This should help to improve operational e iciency, enhance workplace safety, and enable Gold Fields to become a more data-driven business.

“AWS is helping us to modernise our infrastructure, improve our governance, and drive cost e iciencies,” says Strini Mudaly, Group ICT vice president at Gold Fields.

“We selected AWS as our cloud provider of choice, based on its proven

operational experience at scale and commitment to innovation. We are excited to continue our journey with AWS, leveraging its expertise and cutting-edge solutions to transform our business.”

Partnering with Gold Fields and AWS, Deloitte assisted in the migration of the Global Gold Fields SAP estates across three continents to the AWS cloud.

“By bringing together a multi-disciplinary team of dedicated Deloitte experts, working across multiple time zones, we ensured that every aspect of the migration – including data privacy, regulatory and technology –was handled with precision and expertise. This delivered a seamless, zero-businessimpact transition,” says Aasif Karachi, director and Africa AWS leader at Deloitte Consulting.

“Leveraging AWS’s secure and scalable infrastructure, this migration has reduced operational costs and enhanced data processing speeds across critical group systems, all while upholding Gold Fields’ strong governance and risk management standards.”

According to Chris Erasmus, AWS country general manager, the organisation’s

collaboration with Gold Fields showcases the transformative power of cloud technology in the mining sector.

“By migrating its critical SAP systems to AWS, Gold Fields is now poised to modernise its platform and unlock the full potential of its internal data, as it will now be able to apply advanced analytics and machine learning.”

Operating its SAP systems on AWS, he says, should enable Gold Fields to harness next-generation technology and data insight capabilities in a way that will help it to support its future business strategy.

“By using AWS’s advanced tools like analytics, machine learning, and AI, Gold Fields can improve how it runs its operations and – more critically – they can leverage these to make the workplace safer.

“Additionally, Gold Fields is exploring AWS’s Industrial Data Fabric and Generative AI capabilities. This technology will allow them to enhance data management practices, and support safety and process improvements, in the everevolving space that is the gold industry,” says Erasmus.

RSA’S RAIL CHALLENGES ARE CREATING AN ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS

Practical freight industry solutions are required to meet SA’s environmental challenges, as the road freight sector is becoming an increasing emitter of greenhouse gases.

ampant cable the and destruction across South Africa’s beleaguered rail network may drive growth in the road freight space. Still, it is coming at a high environmental cost.

Earlier this year, Transport Department Deputy Director General for Transport Planning Rirhandzu Mashava revealed that between 2017/18 and 2022/23, about a third of long-distance freight had moved from rail to road.

The country’s rail infrastructure woes manifest at locations like Durban Container Terminal Pier 2.

According to figures released by the South African Association of Freight Forwarders/Business Unity South Africa, during the week ending 12 July, the site had 65 over-border units with a dwell time of 22 days.

By Marcus Ellappan Overland Logistics Director at Bidvest International Logistics (BIL)

Supply chains can ill-a ord such delays, hence the huge shi to transporting goods by truck. This despite the rising cost of fuel and a need for more skilled personnel within the sector, not to mention that deteriorating infrastructure and poor road conditions put drivers and vehicles at risk. From an environmental perspective, the situation is far from ideal.

Transport is the third largest emitting sector in South Africa, with almost 55 megatonnes of CO2 emissions contributing more than 10% to the country’s national gross emissions. Road transport accounts for 91.2% of that percentage.

While the Department of Transport set in motion a Green Transport Strategy in 2018 to minimise the adverse impact of transport on the environment by reducing emissions by 5% annually, high volumes of greenhouse gas are still being pumped into the atmosphere. The question then becomes what else can be done to reduce emissions.

Solutions must come from both the road and rail freight sectors. There are some potential “quick wins” in reducing CO2 emissions, including policies around behaviour changes to promote more e icient driving habits, and optimising routes with the use of various so ware platforms.

Maintaining vehicles properly and upgrading to more fuele icient vehicles can also reduce fuel consumption.

Electric trucks, compressed natural gas vehicles, and a move to Euro 5 engines – where diesel vehicles are equipped with particulate filters to trap tiny soot particles – and Euro 6 engines (mandatory use of selective catalytic reduction for diesel cars to reduce nitrous oxide emissions) are all viable options.

Such measures will benefit road freight companies in several ways, including environmental, social, and governance (ESG) wins, reduced carbon tax, and reduced maintenance, resulting in less downtime, noise pollution and air pollution.

BIL supports the e orts of the rail reform and capacity growth initiative driven by the government and Transnet. The reduction in rail capacity has resulted in increased reliance on road transport and put additional pressure on road infrastructure and the environment.

This can lead to higher transport costs, reduced competitiveness of South African goods, and missed economic opportunities.

However, the rail freight industry can be crucial in driving a turnaround. Future investments in the railway should focus on modernising the rail infrastructure, together with green technologies such as hydrogen-powered and electric locomotives.

Earlier this year, it was announced that by April 2025, Transnet Freight Rail would have to compete with private companies to manage the country’s rail infrastructure. This comes a er the government decided to open the space to private players to participate in the significant investment required for the railway network in South Africa.

The Integrated Transport Plan emphasises developing an interconnected multimodal transport system where rail and road work together to enhance overall e iciency and sustainability. A strengthened rail freight system can support and complement road transport, which remains crucial for last-mile deliveries, remote deliveries and shorter routes.

There is significant room for collaboration. Road freight can handle short-haul and remote deliveries, while rail can manage long-haul routes, optimising the strengths of both modes. As a result, the road and rail industries can create a more resilient and – much more crucially – eco-friendly transport system.

The views expressed are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect SA Mining’s editorial policy.

PUTTING SAFETY FIRST

In a sector as dangerous as mining, occupational health and safety is crucial, and is something that can be improved through industry collaboration and the adoption of innovative technologies.

By Rodney Weidemann

Aer a long period of improvement in safety standards in the mining sector, 2023 saw fatalities rising – largely attributed to a single tragic incident, when an industrial elevator carrying 86 workers in a platinum mine fell, resulting in 13 deaths. This once again highlighted the need for improved safety measures, with a focus on health and innovative technologies.

This was very much the focus of a recent Health & Safety in Industry & Mining webinar, featuring a panel of speakers including the Minerals Council SA (MCSA), Consulting Engineers SA, Saryx Engineering and Rand Mutual Assurance (RMA).

HEALTH AND SAFETY CHALLENGES

Describing the e orts made to reduce injuries in the mining and related industries, Dushendra Naidoo, head: safety and sustainable development at the MCSA, noted that in 1993, over 270 lives were lost in the mining sector.

“This demonstrates that in the past 30 years, we have reduced the number of lives lost by around 80%, since 55 deaths were recorded in 2023. Despite this, many challenges remain,” he says.

“The industry’s adoption of the ‘zero harm’ principle involves a multi-focused approach to preventing injury. This includes aspects like fall of ground (FoG), especially in the gold and platinum mines, as well as in the transport field, where accidents inevitably occur.”

Injuries also regularly occur when

machinery is used, with an alarming increase noted in conveyor-related injuries and even deaths, he says. Other problem areas include falling from heights, or getting struck by dropped tools.

“Is zero harm possible? I absolutely think it is, and mining is now looking to the safety e orts undertaken in other heavy industries, to learn from these. I believe the interventions and initiatives we have in place – like the FoG action plan, which the mining sector has invested heavily in – can help to achieve this. We can also adopt international learnings, based on how well foreign entities e ectively manage such issues,” says Naidoo.

According to Dr Jessica Hutchings, head of prevention at RMA, the company administers workman’s compensation in the mining sector, so deals regularly with injury and death claims.

“If one looks at the types of injuries from an occupational disease perspective, other notable injuries that occur regularly are noiserelated hearing damage, as well as so tissue damage and plenty of finger injuries, not to mention foreign objects to the eye – from dust to splinters of metal – along with heat-related exhaustion and cramps,” she says.

ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY

Ingrid Osborne, co-founder and CEO at Saryx Engineering, notes that there is a definite role for technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) in improving occupational health and safety (OHS).

“There are many ways to apply this technology, since AI can identify patterns, and

predict potential hazards before they even occur, based on historical data. Similarly, internet of things (IoT) sensors can monitor temperature, and IoT wearables can alert employees to various dangers, such as harmful gases,” she says.

“Technologies like augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) assist in training, by simulating dangerous scenarios in a safe environment, allowing employees to practise how to handle di erent emergency scenarios.”

Furthermore, suggests Osborne, technology can help in analysing and identifying trends and suggesting preventive measures. It can also assist in maintaining compliance documents, ensuring that safety protocols are followed and rules are obeyed. Eliminating old-school paperwork from the equation leads to an increase in legislative compliance, and improved worker welfare.

“People sometimes ask whether AI will take over the health and safety practitioner’s role or merely augment it. For me, it’s a tool to facilitate a better job, in that it provides a proactive way of solving OHS challenges before they occur. Digital technology is crucial here, as only AI can analyse the required data at the speed necessary to achieve this.”

SHARED EXPERIENCES

Naidoo states that in the past, companies that experienced an accident onsite seldom shared their experiences with the rest of the industry. However, today there is a far greater level of collaboration, allowing everyone to learn from the experience.

“A good example is the FoG action plan,

DISUSED INFRASTRUCTURE DANGERS

Is zero harm possible? I absolutely think it is, and mining is now looking to the safety e orts undertaken in other heavy industries, to learn from these. – Naidoo “ “

which had significant input from across the sector, helping to address all the complexities related to FoG. Another e ort that showed great industry collaboration was the Stop the Bleeding campaign, which saw CEOs work together to reduce fatalities by implementing eight key actions based on their companies’ own experiences.

“When it comes to zero harm, digitisation will play a crucial role, as it will allow the MCSA to obtain better quality data from its members, which can then be more e ectively analysed. Of course, it is equally important to learn from the success stories within the sector that have led to reduced numbers of injuries – it is these learnings we most need shared with the rest of the industry,” he says.

Hutchings explains that it is vital we achieve zero harm as soon as possible, as any injury or death creates a multiplier e ect.

“Remember that one worker dying likely impacts their whole family – perhaps they were the breadwinner – along with their dependents and their community. For this reason, organisations need to look at zero harm from more than just a numbers perspective; they also need to

consider the social, societal and community impacts,” she states.

Osborne is firmly of the opinion that mining contractors need to digitally transform as soon as possible, as digital OHS tools o er massive cost savings, while also ensuring they can get all their safety approvals done online. This means that the company has insight into whether their operation is truly ready, is assured that there is accountability, and can properly prepare the site beforehand.

“Imagine a single, centralised data hub, where you can see the compliance status of all your contractors in one space. This means that if a contractor’s medical compliance certificate, for example, is out of date, they will be non-compliant, and barred from the site.

“Of course, digital solutions also o er complete transparency, so everyone else involved in the project can also see who is and isn’t compliant. With a digital system, everyone is watching and aware, which means there is nowhere to hide if you are non-compliant.

“This, in turn, means far greater levels of accountability, and also means the digital system becomes a positive enforcement tool. This is because industry rivals will inevitably

Chris Campbell, CEO of Consulting Engineers South Africa, told the webinar that while there was, rightfully, a massive focus on OHS with regard to new projects and those in progress, it should also be remembered that the same duty of care existed for all owners of infrastructure.

“What this means is that even owners of infrastructure that is no longer in use have a responsibility of care. Think about previous slimes dam collapses, or the dangers inherent in unsafe, abandoned mines, and it is easy to understand why the owners need to take responsibility.

“They also need to face consequences if necessary, for any safety failures related to this infrastructure. Remember that lives are still potentially at stake when it comes to disused infrastructure,” he says.

strive to outdo each other in terms of their OHS solutions – and the employees who are most at risk will benefit greatly from these entities competing with each other to be the best in this regard,” she says.

MITIGATING DUST RISKS WITH REALTIME SOLUTIONS

The health and safety risks of overly dusty mining tunnels can be mitigated by the implementation of intelligent, sophisticated dust-monitoring solutions.

Mining sha s and tunnels especially are known for their dusty environments, meaning that mines face the critical challenge of protecting workers’ health, safeguarding the environment, and maintaining positive relations with nearby communities, while ensuring regulatory compliance.

As the organisation that has introduced e ective solutions for comprehensive air quality management, such as the M3SH D52 dust particulate matter monitor, Probe IMT is well positioned to comment on mitigating the challenge of dust in mine tunnels. Probe IMT CEO Gert Roselt says the ideal is to create an ecosystem of intelligent and integrated products that all work together to protect people and productivity.

“Mines need intelligent, sophisticated devices that are designed to provide realtime data on dust levels, which ensures they can immediately implement response measures and prevent workers from exposure to harmful dust levels.

“These are indispensable tools for protecting workers’ health, optimising operational processes, and achieving compliance with regulatory standards,” he says.

South Africa has stringent regulations about permissible dust exposure levels in

mining operations, continues Roselt. In May, the Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate of Gauteng issued new directives emphasising the vital role of real-time monitoring systems in mitigating risks associated with occupational hazards and requiring that these be implemented in a phased manner. These include airborne pollutants such as dust.

REAL-TIME MONITORING

“Implementing real-time monitoring helps ensure compliance with South African mining regulations and international best practice, while at the same time protecting the health of employees and helping to avoid potential fines or shutdowns.

“Mines need to invest in sensor technologies that have been carefully tested in harsh mining environments, and which meet all applicable standards and ratings required.”

He points out that industrial dust and particle exposure of 1.0µm, 2.5µm, 4.0µm, and 10µm can cause serious respiratory health problems, while smaller particles pose more severe risks due to their ability to penetrate deeper into the lungs, leading to chronic diseases, respiratory issues, and even cardiovascular problems.

“Regular monitoring of tunnels allows for the implementation of measures to

reduce exposure and protect workers’ health. High levels of dust can reduce visibility, leading to accidents onsite. Dust can also cause machinery to malfunction or wear prematurely, posing additional safety risks.

“Moreover, dust from mining operations can even harm local ecosystems and contribute to air pollution. This type of monitoring can also assist mines to manage and minimise this impact.”

He says the latest solutions leverage state-of-the-art intelligent laser sensing technology, boasting high sensitivity for detecting particles smaller than 10 micrometres with precision. They also provide accurate readings of particulate matter on easy-to-read LCD displays.

“These dust monitors also need to integrate e ectively with automated ventilation or dust suppression systems, in order to significantly enhance workplace safety. They should also be designed for low maintenance, in order to minimise downtime and operational disruptions.

“Choosing the right dust monitoring solution – one that has the latest technological research and development incorporated within – will help mines to ensure regulatory compliance, while also enabling both operational e iciency and worker safety,” says Roselt.

3-6 February 2025

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IMPLEMENTING AI AT THE CORE OF MINING OPERATIONS

Artifi cial intelligence (AI) is more than just a trend. It is a powerful toolset, capable of unearthing and alleviating the persistent pain points that plague mining operations.

By Rodney Weidemann

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has been so rapid that it is clearly living up to its billing as one of the most promising of today’s technologies, thanks mostly to its advanced decision-making abilities and problem-solving skills.

Most organisations today are not asking whether they should add AI capabilities, but rather how they plan to use this quickly emerging technology at the strategic core of business operations.

In the mining sector, integrating AI into operations has the potential to revolutionise the industry by, for example, facilitating the development of predictive models that can anticipate equipment failures, allowing for proactive maintenance and reducing unexpected downtime.

According to Christiaan Nel, PwC Africa AI leader, for mines to fully capitalise on AI’s benefits, it is crucial to manage the broad spectrum of associated risks. These include privacy, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, third-party relationships, legal responsibilities, and intellectual property.

“AI presents potential threats that necessitate rigorous de-risking strategies, but it also o ers the possibility of a more e icient world led by human oversight. Striking

a balance between risks and rewards ultimately fosters trust and provides a competitive edge,” he says.

“PwC is committed to leveraging AI responsibly to propel business forward.

Risk management experts can ensure that AI remains safe, secure, private, fair, valid, reliable, accountable, transparent, explainable, and trustworthy.

“Essential C-suite executives play a key role in promoting responsible AI use, embedding trust-by-design as a foundational value.”

Ian Mackay, PwC South Africa’s smart mining lead, adds that on an automation level, AI can optimise mining systems and processes, including procurement, supply chain, and logistics, while also managing and improving vehicle dispatch cycle times to reduce fuel usage. Furthermore, it will enhance predictive maintenance systems and help achieve higher availability.

“Possibly the most significant impact will be in analytics – with AI, miners are breaking down data silos and sharing information in a data lake, enabling comprehensive analytics across the value chain.

“This organisation of data, a prerequisite for AI, potentially delivers the

greatest value by identifying performance gaps and assisting engineers in improving quality, recoveries, and blends.

“Additionally, self-service natural language queries contribute to this transformation. In summary: AI will not replace miners, but it will significantly enhance their capabilities,” says Mackay.

CORE BENEFITS OFFERED

The mining sector stands to gain enormously from AI in several key areas, notes Wilhelm Swart, chief operational technologies o icer at 4Sight. Firstly, AI can significantly enhance operational e iciency through predictive maintenance, ensuring machinery operates smoothly and reducing downtime.

“AI can also improve safety, by identifying hazards before they become serious issues, thus protecting the workforce. Additionally, AI-driven analytics can optimise resource extraction, leading to better yields and more sustainable practices,” he says.

“AI-driven supply chain management solutions are also expected to be powerful tools in addressing industry challenges. These AI models can predict future supply chain dynamics, such as forecasting demand for specific products, and optimising inventory levels.”

AI presents potential threats that necessitate rigorous de-risking strategies, but it also o ers the possibility of a more e icient world led by human oversight.

“

– Nel

Another way of using AI is in simulations, as this can help in planning and decisionmaking, enabling mines to operate more e ectively in a competitive global market.

AI can also benefit mines by optimising energy use, says Swart, through a process of analysing data to identify energy-saving opportunities, and thereby improving e iciency as a result.

“AI can also be used for decision reinforcement systems, to support decision making, including better worker safety, improvement of previously lengthy processes, and cost reduction.”

Furthermore, he indicates, AI in mining can assist in reducing environmental impact and onsite risks, by e iciently analysing data. It can pinpoint areas for operational optimisation, while also assessing the e ects on the surrounding environment.

“Overall, generative AI (GenAI) technology like copilots can help mining employees uncover hidden insights in operational data. Enhanced data collection and remediation will drive significant improvements in e iciency, productivity, asset reliability, operational safety, energy consumption, and environmental impact,” says Swart.

DANGERS AND PAIN POINTS

While the benefits of AI are vast, there remain challenges to overcome, such as the fact that digital technologies, especially in labourintensive industries like mining, are o en perceived as primarily reducing jobs in the respective sector.

Stefan Ste en, executive: data insights and intelligence at BCX, points out that some of the other challenges to consider include things like information quality and availability, since AI relies on high-quality, accurate data to make informed decisions.

“Incomplete or inaccurate data can lead to flawed models and incorrect predictions, potentially resulting in costly errors or safety hazards. This can be a challenge – especially in remote mining environments,” he says.

Additionally, he notes that ethical considerations such as bias in training data and AI algorithms, concerns around the privacy and security of data, and the aforementioned fears around labour displacement would all need to be addressed.

“There are also technical challenges, including that implementing and maintaining complex AI systems requires specialised skills and knowledge, which may be in short supply. Integrating AI systems

THE BCX APPROACH

BCX leverages five steps in implementing AI:

■ Start with people in mind: Take a human-centred approach and manage change well to ensure strong adoption.

■ Assess the readiness of your business: Identify what areas of your business has the required maturity or flexibility to allow for the easy adoption of AI.

■ Earn trust in terms of governance, security, and privacy: AI will become embedded in every part of our operations. It is critical to consider how we govern this through a secure trust layer.

■ Employ agility and execute with speed: In particular when it comes to generative AI it is helpful to prototype fast to assess value and then to increase your focus on the use cases that show promise.

■ Act with intention and execute control: As you expand on your use cases ensure that you are managing the deployment of AI in a robust, scalable and responsible manner.

with existing mining equipment and so ware can be particularly complex,” says Ste en.

Alexis Bour, MD at Boston Consulting Group, suggests two top-of-mind examples regarding the pain points mines face – namely safety enhancements and improvement of shi changeover productivity. In both instances, he says, AI can help to achieve better performance – but isn’t the only intervention.

“In terms of safety, AI can detect unsafe behaviour such as non-compliance with walkways, missing personal protection equipment (PPE) and fatigue. However, without a programme that addresses the behavioural aspect, any AI solution will just continue to flag unsafe behaviour – instead of eliminating unsafe practices.”

To enhance shift change-over productivity, AI can do an excellent job to optimise movement patterns to reduce friction, he says, “but it won’t be able to fix underlying behavioural issues such as inferior driving styles, or lack of accountability to be on time for the shift change”.

LEVERAGING AI’S POTENTIAL

He explains that the potential application areas of AI are extensive, encompassing not only core processes but also extending to procurement, HR, finance, exploration, and marketing.

“Of course, in order to realise the benefits,

“ “

AI in mining can assist in reducing environmental impact and onsite risks, by efficiently analysing data and pinpointing areas for operational optimisation. – Swart

mining companies need to shift their mindset from ‘AI will solve it for me’ to ‘let’s look for the value, and then decide whether AI can help us’ – and they must then look at what organisational, behavioural and process changes are needed.

“For African mining and processing businesses, adopting innovative approaches to leverage AI is essential for maintaining competitiveness in the global market. In this landscape, where success hinges on efficiency and adaptability, embracing AI-driven strategies that unlock real value is crucial for sustained success.”

PwC’s Nel advises that mines begin

their AI journey by creating a responsible AI framework to guide AI adoption in the organisation.

“Learn the current capabilities and limits of AI; assess your data architecture’s maturity for scaling AI solutions; and regularly update this framework as AI models evolve and industry pressures shift.

“The key to success lies in ensuring accurate data, as this will enable AI to unlock numerous optimisation and efficiency possibilities for mining operations, including optimal shift schedules, enhanced planning, improved quality, and increased profit margins,” he says.

ELECTRIC VS DIESELPOWERED PUMPS

Both diesel and electric pumps have their uses in mining applications, but which type is best suited to which type of project?

By Rodney Weidemann

Few people question the wisdom of using diesel-powered pumps, particularly for temporary sites or rental arrangements. Their faith is well-placed: diesel-powered portable pumps have been the standard for decades, supported by diesel’s high and reliable power output and low energy costs.

Yet, while diesel remains a strong option, electric pumps have become a viable alternative, even for temporary and rental use cases. In terms of overall cost and value, electrical pumps are a compelling alternative, and where projects consider environmental and carbonreduction factors, it’s a leading choice.

Since both types of pump o er di erent benefits, and come with di erent challenges, it is worth comparing the two options, to determine when – and under what circumstances – mines should consider implementing either diesel or electric pumps.

PROJECTS SUITABLE FOR DIESEL PUMPS

Chetan Mistry, strategy and marketing manager at Xylem Africa, says that diesel pumps suit three main use cases: no electricity, incredibly heavy-duty workloads, and short-term projects.

“In most cases, the best scenario relates to at least two conditions. For example, if a site lacks electricity, it can still use alternatives such as solar power. However, if the project duration is short, the upfront cost of solar installation or installing a grid connection might not be economical, leaving diesel as the preferred option,” he states.

“The typical recommendation is that if the pumps are required for three months or less, diesel is more economical, and if the duration is longer than three months, electrical power starts becoming more economical.”

Diesel pumps, continues Mistry, are also incredibly hardy and can handle heavy workloads, specifically meaning liquids with large solids or high viscosity. While there are comparable electric pumps that also handle such workloads, the typical conditions where you find such liquids are usually temporary and in hard-to-reach areas.

Drilling down even further, Rob Bond, area mining manager for KSB South Africa, points out that there are two specific types of projects where diesel tends to be more e ective thasn electric.

“Realistically, if you are going to make use of diesel pumps in a mining project, the most important areas to implement these is in pit dewatering units, while diesel is also highly recommended for firefighting units,” he says.

WHERE ELECTRIC PUMPS ARE MOST SUITABLE

“As for electric pumps, they can most e ectively be utilised in projects related to hard rock, industrial minerals, dredging, and diamond mining applications,” continues Bond.

Mistry notes that diesel pumps have earned a reputation for being hardy and portable, which o en makes electric pumps seem inferior. However, modern electric pumps are as capable of heavy-duty jobs and o en have lower maintenance requirements.

“The main distinction today is access to power. If a pump site can access electric power, via a grid, solar, or through heavy equipment such as drilling rigs, and the operating duration is more than three months, electric pumps become the more economical choice.

“Any site needing permanent pump installations gains more from electric pumps, which can run on the main grid or a solar installation. Basically, if it makes sense to invest upfront for long-term pump sites, then electrical options are more predictable and cost-e ective than diesel options. Electric pumps are also much quieter than diesel pumps, and tend to require less maintenance.”

However, it’s not responsible to simply declare that one type of pump works best

MINE PUMPING REQUIREMENTS:

■ Dewatering

■ Dust suppression

■ Fire suppression

■ Water recycling

■ Filtering tailings

■ Human consumption

Diesel units are suited for mobile operations. Electrical units, however, are more e icient, cause less harm to the environment and can run at higher speeds. “ “

for a given scenario, he adds. Modern pumps have more in common than ever before, such as supporting heavy-duty workloads or requiring less maintenance. The right pump depends primarily on a site’s requirements. Designing a pumping plan for a site will get better results than following a preference for a specific type of pump.

DECIDING ON A PUMP

Mistry explains that mines have many pumping requirements: dewatering, dust suppression, fire suppression, water recycling, filtering tailings, and human consumption, to name a few.

“There was a time when you could clearly divide the jobs between diesel and electric pumps, but modern pumps provide more versatility – especially with the advent of solar-powered pumps. Thus, a site’s needs are far more important than the choice of pumps. To put it di erently, you first need to know what pumping jobs you want to address, before deciding what kind of pump you need,” he adds.

“Take underground drill sites as an example. Drilling uses water to cool equipment, suppress dust, and remove loose sediment. The water pools under the drilling area and must be removed through dewatering. Traditionally, this was the domain of diesel pumps, because they

can be moved into the dewatering area.

In contrast, electric pumps were more cumbersome and required power cables that increased electrocution risks.”

However, he indicates, new-generation electric dewatering pumps can be installed onto the drilling rig to use the rig’s power, and the operator can manage the pump from the cabin, thus removing mobility and electrocution concerns. In such circumstances, using electric dewatering pumps becomes more economical.

KSB’s Bond adds that diesel units are suitable where there is no power available, and are also e ective for back up if there are power failures, allowing operations to continue.

“Diesel units are perfectly suited for mobile operations. Electrical units, however, are more e icient, cause less harm to the environment, and have the capability of running at higher speeds to get more head and flow. Meanwhile, electric units are less complex and can be driven directly using variable frequency drives (VFD), which also improve the e iciency and reduce power consumption,” he says.

CHALLENGES TO OVERCOME

“Diesel units are limited to the operating head and flow, due to the limited speed a diesel engine can run at. Diesel units also

have a severe impact on the environment, due to the fuel emissions.”

Electric units, he suggests, require a lot of power, so an ongoing challenge like load shedding impacts on their operation. Here, a mine might instead turn to diesel, even though this uses excessive fuel and escalates costs.

Mistry agrees, stating that if a site lacks electrical power, diesel is the better choice. However, running those motors o en costs much more in maintenance and fuel, especially if projects last longer than three months.

“The key to success is to put in the time and e ort to design a pumping plan suited to the site. It may make sense to run rental diesel pumps for the short term and install electric pumps for permanent operations. It may be cheaper to have a diesel dewatering pump on the back of a bakkie, or it could be better to have an electric dewatering pump that can run remotely for months, because it requires less frequent maintenance,” he says.

“Ultimately, you shouldn’t throw pumps at your problems. Rather, decide what those problems are, and then work with pump experts to design a pumping solution that meets your short- and long-term requirements,” he concludes.

OWN EVERY CUT WITH SUPERFLEX

Custom abrasive solutions are the ideal fi t for the mining industry, and Grinding techniques’ Superfl ex range has been developed with specifi c and demanding jobs in mind.

As a local manufacturer, Grinding Techniques is able to o er custom abrasive solutions with competitive lead times, ensuring that your business stays ahead of the curve.

Employing the latest in grain technology, we bring only the best in quality, durability, and longevity. Not only is our range of abrasives locally manufactured, they also conform to the highest safety standards, carrying both the OsA, and EN12413 mark.

Superflex cutting and grinding discs

have been developed to work especially well on various materials like high alloy and stainless steels, e ectively increasing output, thereby saving you both time and money.

For specific and demanding jobs, where harder materials like wear parts and tips need to be ground, the ZA24R Premium Angle Grinding Disc, and Professional AS30T Heavy Duty Angle Grinding Disc are our recommended choice. These discs deliver an excellent rate of removal, while

also ensuring reduced heat on application, meaning that they also reduce the potential for cracking or deformation.

For the ultimate in stock removal, our Premium CA30Q Ceramic Angle Grinding Discs employ the ultimate in gran technology - Ceramic Alumina. This boasts exceptional longevity, a rapid removal rate, and cool grinding on application, making this premium abrasive the choice of tool for heat sensitive materials, such as high chrome alloys.

KUMBA’S KOLOMELA MINE WINS AWARD FOR INTEGRATED APP SOLUTION

A project whereby adumo Payouts integrated its card-based incentive payout solution with the client’s in-house app has seen Kumba Iron Ore’s Kolomela Mine in the Northern Cape win a prestigious award.

It was given the International 2024 Gold Quill Award of Excellence for Digital Media Communications on the implementation of an online voucher o ice, using its internal employee application called Engage.

Organised by the International Association of Business Communicators, the premier awards programme has celebrated strategic communication globally for over 40 years.

Kolomela uses a “voucher” system to recognise and reward employees for achieving safety and production targets. The value of the voucher is uploaded on the cash card from adumo Payouts, which the employees can use to make purchases at any retailer in South Africa, or to withdraw cash.

XYLEM’S GODWIN RIG PUMP LAUNCHES IN AFRICA

Dewatering is one of the most hazardous tasks when mining, quarrying, or tunnelling. Personnel such as drill operators are exposed to risk as they enter drilling and blasting areas to prime or move dewatering pumps, avoid trailing electrical cables in wet and obscured conditions, and navigate other hazards.

Xylem has developed the Godwin Rig Pump to tackle these specific dewatering challenges. This self-priming pump system solves the toughest dewatering challenges in mining by seamlessly integrating with drilling rigs and using state-of-the-art technology.

The pump sits at the back of a drilling rig and can be controlled directly from the rig’s cabin. The suction section and front pipe sit near the drilling face, removing the need for a submersible pump. The electric cables remain with the rig and away from the active drilling area or trailing behind the rig.

The Godwin Rig Pump can operate in intermittent flows, avoiding the high wear caused by “snoring” (when a pump begins drawing in liquid and air). It has the unique ability to run dry indefinitely, thanks to its liquid oil bath mechanical seal, solid silicon carbide rotating and stationary elements, and high-abrasion resistant faces.

The next-generation pump provides faster and longer drilling without downtime, with anti-clogging features, dry-run protection, and a non-return valve to significantly reduce pump wear and damage. Compact and designed for rig operations, it reduces hazard risks from accessing the drill area or managing electrical trailing cables.

Previously, if there was a query on the card, or employees wanted to determine their balance, they had to visit the physical voucher o ice to be assisted. The result was long waiting times and production losses, especially as truck operators did not have time to queue.

The communications team decided to leverage the mine’s employee engagement app, designed to facilitate communication, to address the issue. The Engage app is free to all employees and contractors, and allows employees to get information, stay in contact and remain connected.

“We conducted impromptu interviews at the mine to determine what we should focus on. The insights gained enabled us to develop a questionnaire that we shared on the app with our employees and contractors, three months before we launched our ‘Voucher O ice in Your Pocket’ campaign. Our goal was to reimagine how our employees engage with the voucher o ice without impacting production,” says Anglo American’s Janine Botes.

Wyzetalk created the back end required for the Engage app, while adumo Payouts developed the integration for the employee’s cash cards.

“In terms of workplace safety and employee engagement, this is a great example of how innovative thinking was used with technology in a practical way to solve real business challenges.

“The outcome of this was measurable increased safety and improved productivity, thus benefitting all parties in the ecosystem,” says Steve Mallaby, CEO of adumo Payouts.

ADVERTISING

Ilonka Moolman

011 280 3120

moolmani@samining.co.za

Tshepo Monyamane 011 280 3110

tshepom@samining.co.za

IN CASE YOU MISSED OUR INTERVIEW!

Business Spotlight – Enaex Africa’s plans to embrace artificial intelligence

Gary Alfonso speaks to CEO of Enaex Africa, Francisco Baudrand, about the company’s plans to embrace artificial intelligence, while also looking into incorporating sustainability within the organisation’s strategic objective. https://youtu.be/2U0RMa_6bko

APPLICATIONS

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• Unique adjustable guard maintains a constant gap between the conveyor belt and guard, even when the conveyor belt is tensioned.

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Since 1924, AECI has stood as a beacon of innovation and excellence, pioneering the way for a sustainable future in mining.

Modderfontein explosives factory o cially opened. 1896 O cial listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). 1966 1924 Registration of African Explosives & Industries Limited.