Mining Mirror February 2018 | Page 23

Indaba preview Vis Reddy Managing director – SRK Consulting (SA) With buzzwords like ‘modernisation’ and ‘mechanisation’ being used more and more, what role can your company play in a more modern mine of the future? SRK’s leading role in visualising and achieving the modern mine starts with attracting the best minds and capabilities in the sector, so that we can embrace and advance the available technology in a way that adds value to our clients’ operations. We therefore focus on finding and retaining people who appreciate the power of technology and have the specialised skills to pursue new ideas in a practical way. It is important to create an environment where this approach can be nurtured and also be guided by the experience of other experts. In addition to the depth and breadth of our in-house expertise, we also foster close ties with research groups and universities — both locally and globally — to augment and test the latest ideas and best practices. Do you think mining will be disrupted, and how is your company countering and preparing for the ‘fourth revolution’? Industry events like the Mining Indaba need to be addressing the variety of emerging risks to mining companies in Africa. Mining in South Africa today continues to be a very labour-intensive enterprise, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution will undoubtedly disrupt the industry’s current modus operandi. Mining companies are visualising — and where possible, actually implementing — a more technology-driven N O R V A D ONE OF THE BIGGEST SUPPLIERS OF FIRE PUMPS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT WITHIN SOUTHERN AFRICA Davron Equipment, 128 & 130 Loper Street, Aeroport, Gauteng Tel: +27 11 974 3770 • Fax: +27 11 974 6110 FEBRUARY 2018 MINING MIRROR [21] Email: [email protected] • Website: www.davron.co.za