Modernisation in Mining
Venue: Online
Date: 24 February 2021
Time: 09h00 – 12h00
Not only is modernization of the mining industry beneficial for productivity and operational efficiency, but it also improves safety and the health of employees, increases sustainability and extends the life of mines. Covid-19 has only accelerated the drive to implement 4IR technologies in mining, such as IoT, AI, analytics and automation. However, questions remain regarding the implications for employees, the challenges of reskilling the workforce, which technologies to use and timeframes for implementation and ROI.
All of these issues and more were discussed at Resources for Africa’s Modernisation in Mining online discussion, which took place on 24 February 2021. The session included the results of the recent survey conducted by PwC and the Minerals Council of South Africa on the impact of 4IR technologies on mining, followed by a discussion with senior representatives from both mining companies and major technology suppliers.
They discussed the potential of new technologies to deliver tangible benefits as well as progress being made by mining companies on modernisation initiatives and how they are tackling the redeployment/ reskilling of their workforce.

Chair: Bernard Swanepoel
09h00 |
Welcome and introduction
Bernard Swanepoel
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09h10 |
Opening Keynote Address How can 4IR increase efficiency, productivity and sustainability in mining? Results of the Mining Survey on the potential impact of 4IR technologies conducted by PwC and the Minerals Council of South Africa.
Sietse van der Woude, Senior Executive, Modernisation & Safety, Minerals Council South Africa Ian Mackay, Senior Manager - Advisory Technical Consulting, PwC South Africa
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09h30 |
Q&A session led by Bernard Swanepoel
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09h50 |
Session One What is the potential of 4IR technologies to increase productivity, reduce costs and improve safety and sustainability in mining? Application of IoT, Automation, AI and analytics in current mining operations – what results have been achieved? What are the challenges of implementing modernisation initiatives? How can technology companies and mining companies work more closely together to achieve their objectives? Why is it important for mining companies to understand where they are on the digital maturity curve? Developing a strategy to “grab” the low-hanging fruit and impact the bottom line quickly What is the potential for integrating technology throughout the entire mining value chain – from prospecting to retail?
Chair: Harmeet Katari, Partner: Smart Mining, PwC South Africa
Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala, Vice Chancellor and Principal, University of Johannesburg Dr Nkosi Kumalo, Managing Executive: Health, Mining and Industrials Sectors, BCX Priashan Pakiriy, Head of Enterprise Fixed Solutions, MTN Business South Africa Lerato Mathabatha, Lead: Mining, Energy & Resources, Microsoft South Africa Karl Dinkelmann, Founder & CEO, Nexus Data
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10h35 |
Q&A session led by Bernard Swanepoel
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10h55 |
Session Two Mining companies’ strategies to modernise their operations Do mining companies have a modernisation strategy at boardroom level? To what extent has Covid-19 changed this? Which areas of mining lend themselves to modernisation? Where are the quick wins – safety, operations, sustainability, exploration? What is the impact of modernisation initiatives on CAPEX? How soon do mining companies expect to see a ROI on their investment? How will modernisation impact jobs in the industry? What opportunities are there for reskilling the workforce and creating new roles? What skills are going to be needed? How can the transition to new jobs be optimally managed?
Chair: Jean-Jacques Verhaeghe, Programme Manager: Real-Time Information Management Systems, Minerals Council South Africa/Mandela Mining Precinct
Frik Fourie, Head of New Mining Technology, Anglo American Karina Geyser, Manager, Information Management, Royal Bafokeng Platinum R. Michael Jones, CEO, Platinum Group Metals Richard Butcher, Executive Vice President: Technical, Gold Fields
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11h40 |
Q&A session led by Bernard Swanepoel
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11h55 |
Closing remarks and end of session
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“By the Industry for the Industry”
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