Mining Mirror April 2019 | Page 35

Mining in focus irons or chemical contaminants that you are trying to remove, such as heavy metals, they will go and stick on the surface of this adsorbent so that you end up with water that is left clean,” says Sikhwivhilu. He also stressed that for the adsorbents to work, the technology needs to be extremely good s o as to avoid any contaminants that reach the water. For the mining industry, water treatment technologies would be ideal in that they can assist a mine in the safe treatment of bulk water. This will allow mines to reuse their treated water in the mine operation. Reusing mine water will have less impact on alternative water sources that the mine would need. With water resources already under pressure, these water treatment technologies would be helpful in saving water and the environment, as water pollution from the mines can be reduced. Communities close to mines would also no longer be at risk of diseases from contaminated water from the mines. In addition, the communities could potentially benefit from the treated water coming from the mines. Nanotechnology challenges and industry involvement Successful implementation of these technological innovations requires participation from various stakeholders in the industry. Mwakikunga points out that the mining industry needs to take note that the world is moving into an arena of nanoscale. Sikhwivhilu notes that the water entity is working closely with one of the major gold and PGM mines in South Africa. “We also have events where technologies are shown to stakeholders.” Stakeholders include government officials and interested companies (including companies outside of mining). Any new technological innovation is bound to experience problems during the initial phases. Sikhwivhilu mentions that among the challenges is health concerns from the public about being exposed to any potential toxic elements of nanotechnology products. “People worry about those, so often we have to go out and explain to the public that not only are we developing these technologies for use, but we are also simultaneously looking into the toxicity of some of the stuff that we make,” he explains. Sikhwivhilu mentions that the concerns are warranted because researchers have a twofold responsibility to ensure that they www.miningmirror.co.za Mining in focus create innovative solutions for the market that are safe and reliable. He also highlights that prior to products being introduced to the market, all the necessary tests are conducted to ensure that the product is safe for human consumption. Mwakikunga reveals that the reaction from mine companies regarding the sensors is also a challenge. The sensors alert employees to the exposure of harmful gases, which then give employees control and power when they need to notify their superiors about unsafe working conditions. If levels become higher than accepted limits, then an inspector can request for work stoppages as stated in section 54 of the Mine Health and Safety Act. Although work stoppages save lives, they also have a negative impact on the productivity and profitability of the mine operation — depending on how long employees stop working. As a result, Mwakikunga explains that some mining companies become apprehensive when researchers approach them with new sensors. “We’ve seen many fires in the mines and employees dying. And then in the end maybe, sometimes the mine has to close down.” In this regard, it is important for mine companies to be aware that in addition to saving lives, the sensors can potentially save a mine from possible closure. Where to from here? Mwakikunga is optimistic about the direction that nanotechnology is taking. “I must say that our technologies are slowly infiltrating the populace and I believe that there is pressure for us to make more devices available.” He also commends the DST and the dti (Department of Trade and Industry) for the funding contributed for nanotechnology research. He recognises the potential for nanotechnology in future: “Nanotechnology is propounding to increase the number of devices, because we can make them small.” Mwakikunga provided examples of nano sensors that could be worn as wristwatches or fit into pocket, unnoticeable. Such devices would be ideal for mine employees vulnerable to toxic gases underground. “One of the biggest things that we’ve achieved as a country, which I think we can be proud of, is human capital development. We are seeing most of the technologies that we have developed, moving more and more towards commercialisation,” Sikhwivhilu concludes. APRIL 2019 MINING MIRROR [33] APRIL 2019 MINING MIRROR [33]