Indaba preview
Which new , exciting products , technologies , or innovations are your company researching or developing that would improve the traditional methods of mining ?
There is a huge need for spirals to treat ultrafine materials (< 45 µ m ). This is the size range typically being treated in flotation circuits . However , flotation is costly due to the addition of reagents . Therefore , should Multotec ’ s spiral plants be able to separate efficiently in this particle size range , it will be a major breakthrough .
Veli Sibiya
Shaft engineer – Sasol ’ s Middelbult Mine
What is your understanding of the term ‘ modernisation of mines ’?
The first thing that comes to mind is changing from a traditional state of doing things to a modern state of doing things . It is almost common sense that development and improvement are required for change to take place . Change is inevitable if the mining industry were to be sustainable . The traditional approach to mining is no longer relevant in modern times and in a volatile , uncertain , complex , and ambiguous ( VUCA ) environment . Any industry not riding the wave of technological innovations will perish .
In essence , modernisation of mines has to do with , but not limited to , the implementation of innovative ideas , particularly innovative technologies , that will bring about improved safety production at low cost .
Are you involved in any research or development of new products or technology that will play a role in the ‘ modernisation ’, ‘ mechanisation ’, or automation of mines ?
I am , to a certain extent , involved in the co-creation and the development of technology with suppliers . We realised that as a mining house , we need to do more to create the ‘ mine of the future ’. We came to the realisation that we must be more involved in piloting and implementing various technologies . If we all sit back , the entire mining industry will die a slow death . We see this approach from the perspective of the ‘ first mover advantage ’ as opposed to the perspective of the ‘ guinea pig ’. This approach would allow us to get our infrastructure and equipment ready for Internet and Wi-Fi for future technologies .
How should mine managers and operational managers prepare for the future , and what are the major changes they should start introducing ?
Mining and operations managers must accept that modernisation is inevitable . They must develop an interest in the technology innovations happening around them and try to pilot certain technologies . Such an incremental approach is good for cash flow , and helps management to understand gaps in terms of infrastructure and equipment upgrade . Not all technologies will deliver results immediately , but will prepare the way for the implementation of meaningful technologies at a later stage . For example , getting the infrastructure and equipment Internet and Wi-Fi ready is a prerequisite for future technology innovations .
Mine managers and operations managers have a direct influence on the successful implementation of change . They have a role to communicate the need to modernise .
Which aspects of mining should we prioritise when we talk about modernisation ? What are the challenges and the opportunities in what we refer to as ‘ modernisation ’?
• Infrastructure upgrade to make the mine Internet and Wi-Fi ready .
• Real-time information — artificial intelligence is crucial for decisionmaking . With real-time information , one can monitor production and machine performance . As a result , improve safe productivity at low cost . This information would inform future strategy .
• Implementation of gadgets to make the mines paperless . These gadgets would assist with legal inspections , ordering of spares , machine fault finding , connecting to machines and equipment remotely , and performing human resource activities , among others .
• Further mechanisation and automation .
With the Mining Indaba coming up in February , what are the major issues in the mining industry that you would like to be discussed , even if it is on other platforms ? ( In South Africa , Africa , and globally , respectively .)
The most important for me would be how to create stakeholder buy-in to modernisation ; what the future would be without technology and innovation ; and what skill set will be required for the modernisation of mines .
In your opinion , how has the mining industry performed in the past few years ?
The mining industry has regressed over the past few years . Notwithstanding other factors , the conventional methods used in mining are partly to blame for the decaying sector . These methods are no longer relevant in current modern times . As a result , we have seen a number of mining houses selling their assets due to increased mining costs without an increase in safe productivity levels .
What is your outlook for mining in Africa in the short , medium , and long term ?
The mining industry will remain pivotal for Africa ’ s economy in the future , and commodities will remain crucial in the global economy . To that end , the sector is there for the taking . In the short to medium term , the picture is not looking so bright , and not so dim either . As much as some distressed assets are getting sold , there are buyers willing to buy and revitalise the distressed assets . I think the outlook for mining in Africa in the long term is bright , provided the mining houses invest in technology to modernise the mines . Modernisation of mines will make the mining industry profitable and sustainable , as modernisation would bring about improved productivity at low cost .
How has the downturn and then the subsequent recovery in commodity prices affected your company ?
Everyone would get negatively affected by unexpected changes in commodity prices . The downturn in commodity prices served as a wake-up call as we can no longer afford to continue with business as usual . Our strategy focuses on the mine of the future , aimed at improving safe productivity at low cost .
In your opinion , which constraints are preventing investments in global , African , and South African mining projects ?
Over and above the lack of investment in technologies that would improve mining methods , mining in Africa is more expensive because of political and policy uncertainty .
Do you think mining will be disrupted and how is your company countering and preparing for the ‘ fourth revolution ’?
Given the fact that activism on global warming is gaining more and more momentum , the future of coal as a source of energy is debatable . Research on alternative sources of
[ 16 ] MINING MIRROR FEBRUARY 2018