MINING INDABA •
AFRICA ’ S MINING RENAISSANCE : A DEEP DIVE INTO TRANSFORMATIVE DOMAINS
Africa ' s immense mineral wealth has long positioned it as a centrepiece in the global mining narrative . As we advance further into the era of smart and sustainable mining practices , a confluence of technological , environmental and societal factors demands a paradigm shift . In this thought leadership article , Wits Mining Institute director Professor Glen Nwaila focuses on key drivers reshaping Africa ' s mining sector from lessons learned in academia and minerals industry leaders .
Historically , mining and earth sciences curricula have been intensive in specialisation , ensuring deep but narrow expertise . However , the modern era , characterised by interconnected challenges , necessitates a broader perspective . Transitioning to a transdisciplinary education means students will not only grasp the disciplines of mining , mineral processing and geology but also understand environmental science , technological implications , and even sociopolitical considerations .
Smart mining : redefining education in mining , metallurgy and earth sciences In the bygone days of mining education , a student was sculpted into a siloed expert , proficient in the specifics of mineralogy , mining geology , process control , instrumentation , mine planning or a particular subset of earth sciences and mining engineering . Their training was exhaustive within the confines of their specialisation , but seldom did it encourage exploration outside these niches . The evolving landscape of the 21st century , marked by rapid technological advancements and environmental challenges , calls for a more encompassing approach to education in this realm .
Transdisciplinary approach now a necessity Why exactly , then , is a broader perspective essential ? The interconnected nature of today ' s challenges necessitates that mining professionals can connect the dots between seemingly disparate domains . A geologist , for instance , should be able to understand not just the intricacies of rock formations but also the environmental repercussions of extracting minerals from them . A mining professional should be proficient in conventional extraction techniques and emerging technologies such as mechatronics and data analytics . The rise of geometallurgy , for example , also requires our students to understand the mineral value chain as a connected system , rather than a disjointed set of actions .
Main pillars of a transdisciplinary paradigm shift Mechatronics is a proper degree in many universities today . In mining , it is no longer a futuristic concept , but is today ' s reality . Integrating mechanical engineering with electronics and computer systems , mechatronics transforms mining into a highly precise , efficient and safer process . Robotic arms , automated vehicles and drone surveillance are all examples of mechatronics in action . Understanding these systems allows mining professionals to optimise operations , reduce human exposure to hazardous environments and enhance productivity . Tomorrow ’ s mines may be very deep , below the ocean , or in other hazardous locations . Mechatronics is becoming the solution to non-human-friendly spaces .
A mining professional should be proficient in conventional extraction techniques and emerging technologies .
Data-driven decision-making is another domain that mining professionals cannot afford to ignore . The mining sector generates vast amounts of data daily – from daily blast data and geological surveys to equipment performance logs . Translating this data into actionable insights requires an understanding of data analytics . By embedding data science modules into mining curricula , students can be equipped to make informed decisions , predict machinery malfunctions and optimise resource allocation – leading to more efficient and sustainable operations .
Space technologies , though seemingly distant from earth sciences , have an important role . Satellite imagery can assist in remote sensing mineral deposits , while also making exploration less intrusive and more efficient . Additionally , advanced satellite communication systems can ensure seamless operations in remote mining sites , connecting them to global hubs in realtime . The African space industry is emerging and everything from mineral exploration to waste valorisation will benefit tremendously from this industry .
Beyond the technological realm , the mining professionals of tomorrow must also be environmental stewards and sociopolitical strategists . The emphasis on sustainable mining is not just an environmental prerogative but also a business one .
www . africanmining . co . za African Mining Publication African Mining African Mining • January 2024 • 35
All images supplied Wits Mining Institute