KEY POINTS
- Collaboration and information-sharing are key to transforming mining innovation.
- MMP plans Africa’s first test mine and certifies mining technologies.
- Automation and local economic zones will create jobs and reduce dependency.
The Mandela Mining Precinct (MMP) has announced a bold five-year plan to reshape South Africa’s mining sector. With a strong focus on research, innovation, and collaboration, the strategy aims to prepare the industry for future challenges while addressing long-standing issues.
Speaking at the 2024 Mining Technology and Innovation Showcase, MMP Executive Director Julie Courtnage said the strategy, approved in October, is about taking a forward-thinking approach.
“We’re moving away from solving problems as they come up and instead focusing on anticipating the future,” Courtnage said. The plan includes expanding beyond traditional mining to cover other commodities and modernizing how the sector approaches research and innovation.
A push for collaboration and innovation
One of the main goals of the new strategy is to encourage collaboration across the mining industry. Courtnage highlighted the need for better information-sharing among mining sites and organizations, calling it a key priority for the next five years.
“Our breakthroughs will come from working together, sharing knowledge, and experimenting with new ideas,” she said. The MMP recently signed an agreement with the Mining Qualifications Authority to support this vision of collective progress.
The strategy also focuses on creating solutions that work for the entire mining system rather than isolated technologies. Courtnage explained that this broader approach would make it easier to scale up innovations and have a bigger impact on the sector.
Exciting plans for the future
One of the standout projects in the strategy is Africa’s first test mine, which will bring together multiple stakeholders to test and improve mining technologies.
According to a report by Mining Weekly, the MMP also plans to introduce a new process to test and certify mining equipment, ensuring it is safe, effective, and suited to the mining environment. This move could save costs and improve safety across the industry.
Automation and mechanization are key parts of the plan, with a focus on upskilling workers and creating better job opportunities. The MMP also plans to track how innovations affect safety, productivity, and costs. Additionally, it is exploring ways to develop resource recovery zones that can boost local economies and reduce reliance on traditional mining.
“This journey is all about creating a smarter, more connected mining sector,” Courtnage said. “It’s not about a physical location but a way of working that adapts to the complexities we face.”
Support from stakeholders
The Minerals Council South Africa has welcomed the new strategy. CEO Mzila Mthenjane said the plan aligns with ongoing efforts to address infrastructure challenges and attract investment.
“The mining sector is ready to grow, and initiatives like these will help us unlock its full potential,” he said.
Deputy Director-General of the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Mmboneni Muofhe, added that the MMP’s strategy fits perfectly with South Africa’s broader plans to encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, and locally tailored technologies.
With this ambitious strategy, the MMP is aiming to transform mining in South Africa, making it more innovative, sustainable, and ready to meet future demands.
