ENERGY TRANSITION AND ESG DISRUPTION SPARKS LOCAL MINING INNOVATION
Contributed by MEMSA and SAMPEC
MINING INDABA •
Local South African industry clusters MEMSA and SAMPEC showcase how the impact of the global energy transition and affiliated ESG disruptors are driving local mining tech innovation and solutions .
Supplied by Gravitas Minerals
The Gravitas Minerals Optima Classifier™ has shown great potential in minerals processing .
Historically , mining companies have preferred tried and tested equipment already in the market . However , new demands for efficiency and productivity , a zerotolerance of unsafe mining practices , as well as an increasing focus on additional environmental , social and governance ( ESG ) goals have seen a strong demand for new technologies that enable sustainable , accountable mining practices .
In fact , “ Mining executives rank environmental , social and governance ( ESG ) as the biggest risk to their business ,” according to the EY Top 10 Business Risks and Opportunities for Mining and Metals in 2024 Report . 1
Mines contracting suppliers to target sustainability Whether driven by policy , economics or necessity – energy efficiency and monitoring , re-use and re-purposing of limited resources such as water , and optimising the positive impact mines have on their local environment and communities have become a priority for mining companies who now demand innovative solutions from suppliers . One manifestation is a growing trend by mines to contract equipment suppliers to achieve their energy saving goals , efficiency monitoring and maintenance of production targets .
Mining equipment innovators play a vital role in the green transition to which the mines are committed , and contribute to the growth of the economy , as well as the creation of skilled jobs . Industry clusters Mining Equipment Manufacturers of SA ( MEMSA ) and SA Mineral Processing Equipment Cluster ( SAMPEC ) are committed to assisting members in becoming the global suppliers of choice for green , safe and efficient mining technologies .
Local OEMs , particularly SMMEs with their innovative agility , are perfectly positioned to be at the cutting edge of new technologies . The 2022 and 2023 MEMSA Innovations for Mining Awards produced some excellent examples of new technologies successfully taken to market by SMMEs .
As the world moves towards more localised and sustainable supply chains , many foreign OEMs have opted to acquire or partner with local equipment manufacturing companies for supply into the Africa region .
www . africanmining . co . za African Mining Publication African Mining African Mining • January 2024 • 31