• MINING INDABA
a pen , for example , could be placed under “ stationery ” by one company , but under “ pens ” by another , making searching for and filtering products complicated . Different descriptions for the same product also undermine supply chain management and cost control . Coded procurement records will help to identify local demand patterns , allowing the dtic to further support localisation . Use of an international coding system such as UNSPSC , means that local products are added to an international database where they are immediately visible to local and international buyers , enhancing supply chain flexibility and access to local supply options .
The dtic is in the process of building a business case to demonstrate the benefits of using the codes and doing a pilot project with five mining companies , focused on products that utilise collision prevention system ( CPS ) technology . The collaboration between mines , the Minerals Council of South Africa , and manufacturers is an exciting aspect of this initiative . The ground-breaking work being done in South Africa could have application and benefit across the continent .
In the current context of rapid technological evolution and the adoption of digital technologies in the mining industry , research , development , innovation and skills are all crucial . In South Africa , the work of the Mandela Mining Precinct , the Minerals Council of South Africa , and MEMSA , as a cluster , highlights the key role of collaboration . The Precinct ’ s research in support of a sustainable mining industry increasingly involves multiple private and higher education sector partners , with Research Centres at several universities being launched in November this year . The Minerals Council ’ s initiative to drive collaboration around the development and implementation of collision prevention technologies has brought together a wide range of equipment developers and manufacturers , mines and research institutions working towards a shared goal . MEMSA itself increasingly plays a proactive role in facilitating technology development collaboration among members , and between members and research institutions .
“ We are greatly encouraged that the Department of Science and Innovation and National Treasury are working to extend the 11D Tax Incentive for Research and Development ( R & D ), and to make it more accessible to small businesses ,” Jansen van Vuuren said .
“ In the area of skills development , we ’ ve recently completed a merSETA-funded research project to understand our industry ’ s skills needs in terms of 4IR technologies . Our research partner , Urban Econ Nikela , found that universities and private sector learning institutions have responded quite rapidly to the digital revolution , and the new skills needed at all-v levels . More work is needed on updating training programmes for artisans , but there are encouraging developments .” Given noteworthy digital innovations by Africans across the continent , there is much scope in the mining supply chain , with technologies such as 3D printing disrupting traditional manufacturing processes .
There is much to be optimistic about as South Africa shrugs off the pandemic and local manufacturers forge greater ties with miners on the continent . The overriding sense appears to be a U-turn on the extractive colonial model , towards ensuring that the continent itself is the beneficiary of its generous mineral bounty . •
34 • African Mining • January 2023 www . africanmining . co . za