Critical Minerals, Technology, and Sustainability to Highlight Wits Mining Institute Seminar
A powerful combination of digital technology insights and thought leadership will underpin the upcoming Wits Mining Institute (WMI) seminar and exhibition on 29 and 30 August 2024 at Wits University in Johannesburg.
Driven by the theme ‘Turning Research Curiosity into 21st Century Minerals Industry Performance, Relationships and Technology,’ the event will focus on pressing current issues including critical raw minerals, circular mining, and sustainability. The focus will include discussions on digital technology and cybersecurity, with input from leading industry players and academia.
The seminar brings together industry participants and leaders in smart mining equipment and systems, health and safety practitioners, mine engineers, critical mineral and resource analysts, researchers in mine closure and sustainability practices, and postgraduate learners. While looking at the current and unique mining landscape in the South African context, speakers will reflect on the status of critical minerals and the state of readiness of the mining sector to transform to smart mining technologies to safeguard mine assets. Other conversations will include discussions on sustainability practices in mining and reduction of carbon emission technologies while preserving the livelihood of local communities.
The seminar represents over a decade of partnership between Sibanye-Stillwater and the WMI. The event is also sponsored by South32, Ramjack Technology Solutions, Schauenburg Systems, Gold One, Fraser Alexander, Glencore, Wits Business School, Accenture, Optron, SITECH, and the Mandela Mining Precinct.
The keynote address will be delivered by Sibanye-Stillwater, while two panel discussions will include participation from companies such as Sibanye-Stillwater, ERM, Amira Global, Cybarete, PwC South Africa, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, and Accenture. The WMI will present aspects of its current research, and delegates can tour the WMI’s flagship project, the Sibanye-Stillwater DigiMine.
Two focus areas will be explored in the seminar: integrated critical raw materials research and digital technologies and cybersecurity. Critical raw mineral evaluation will help position the country to be competitive leaders in the supply of minerals needed nationally and globally for renewable energy industries. Speakers will delve into whether we have the data and expertise needed for this evaluation.
Digital technologies are important components of effective monitoring of mine operations and mineral processing. With the surge of AI technologies in the digital space, one is now able to conduct intelligent monitoring and evaluation of operations, but it is essential to consider what this means in terms of implementation in our local context and our readiness to embrace these technologies. Furthermore, how does one plan and safeguard against cyber-attacks in an increasingly digital world?
As advancements in digital technologies transform the mining landscape, the seminar will address the challenges and opportunities of implementing digital technologies, such as material traceability or fingerprinting of commodities from mining operation to the market. These solutions must be applied while ensuring robust cybersecurity measures, effective governance, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
As the host organization, the WMI advances research, innovation, and collaboration in the mining industry, with a strong focus on cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices. The impressive line-up of speakers and panelists will share their expertise to ensure an enriching experience for participants.