Event Details

The six SAMERDI research programmes funded and led by the Mandela Mining Precinct are focused on ensuring the sustainability of hard rock mining into the future, through research, development and technology innovation. MEMSA members are privileged to receive an annual update on these programmes, including previews of opportunities for collaboration by local firms - directly from the Programme Managers.


The agenda on the 13th includes time for Q&A, allowing for in-depth understanding, and feedback from industry.

Key Agenda Items:

  • Introduction to the Mandela Mining Precinct, its Management and Strategic Focus
  • Overview of the six SAMERDI Research Programmes
  • Brief presentation on the research focus of each programme 2024-5, and opportunities for member participation
  • Q&A for each programme


The SAMERDI Programmes are:

Advanced Orebody Knowledge (AOK) "GLASS ROCK – SEEING INTO THE ROCK"

Programme Manager: Michelle Pienaar

The Advanced Orebody Knowledge (AOK) programme is aimed at providing mine planners, rock engineers, geologists and other decision-makers with information and knowledge that will contribute to optimal extraction and zero harm objectives.


Longevity of Current Mines (LoCM) - "MORE FROM THE SAME, WITH THE SAME"

Programme Manager: Martin Pretorius (Note that while Martin is not available, his programmes will be presented by colleagues working closely with him.)

The Longevity of Current Mines programme is aimed at improving mining practices and procedures, particularly for established mines that are already constrained by their infrastructure. The aim is to prolong the sustainability of the mines, thereby maintaining current jobs.

The objectives of the programme are to:

  • Improve occupational health and safety performance;
  • Increase the efficiency of extraction; and
  • Reduce costs.

The objectives will be achieved through the use of more efficient systems of the mining cycle.


Mechanised Mining Systems (MMS) - "MINING SAFELY AND EFFECTIVELY, WITH ZERO EXPOSURE"

Programme Manager: Martin Pretorius

The Mechanised Minign Systems programme is targeted at providing sustainable mechanised solutions to the gold and platinum mining industries by introducing disruptive technologies to facilitate zero harm and achieve financially sound underground mining operations with consistent production rates at optimal cost.


In cases where original equipment manufacturers are unable to provide a commercial solution, the design and production of such equipment will be conducted locally.


An upcoming focus of the programme is to develop Mining Technology Readiness Levels, and verification methods, in order to facilitate technology development partnerships.


Real-time Information Management Systems (RTIMS) - "THE RIGHT INFORMATION TO THE RIGHT PERSON ALL THE TIME"

Programme Manager: Jean-Jacques Verhaeghe

The Real-Time Information Management Systems programme aims to improve data sourcing, transmission, storage, dissemination, and information management tools, practices, and procedures for mines.


Successful Application Of Technologies Centred Around People (SATCAP) - "PEOPLE-CENTRED TECHNOLOGY AND PROCESSES"

Programme Manager: Dr Shiren Ramparsad

The SAMERDI Successful Application of Technologies Centred Around People (SATCAP) programme aims to understand how both specific and general challenges relating to people in the mining modernisation process can be understood from all stakeholders' perspectives.


Test Mine

Programme Manager: Jurgens Visser

In February 2022, the Mandela Mining Precinct signed a memorandum of understanding with Royal Bafokeng Maseve's Mine for the establishment of a test mine. The test mine situated in Rustenburg, North West is being developed as an industry site for research, development, and innovation as well as technology demonstration and testing.


Speakers

  • Julie Courtnage (Director: of the Mandela Mining Precinct, representing the DSI in the Public-Private Partnership at Mandela Mining Precinct)

    Julie Courtnage

    Director: of the Mandela Mining Precinct, representing the DSI in the Public-Private Partnership at Mandela Mining Precinct

    https://mandelaminingprecinct.org.za/

    With a postgraduate degree in Earth and Life-Sciences, Julie commenced her career with the Anglo-American Research Laboratories at the age of 21, and has been working in, with and against the mining sector for 34 years. She has held research, mining operational, consulting, advisory, international executive, and international liaison roles within the minerals sector. An environmental scientist by training & a sustainability practitioner, she consciously shifted her career from pure scientific solutions, to focus to people’s behaviour, values, decision-making processes, and creativity, as these are the roots of harmonising economic activities with the realities of environmental and social needs.

    A qualified coach and facilitator, Julie has delivered multiple academic programmes on the intersections between risk, sustainable development, social justice, ethics and governance, communication, and values-based leadership.Her last corporate employment in the mining sector was as the Sustainable Development Operations Manager for Anglo American plc. She was successfully independent for 16 years, before taking on the role of the Executive Director of the MMP on a full-time basis in September 2023. Julie shares that her greatest joy is found in wild nature, while her sense of humour keeps her grounded, and sometimes apologising.

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  • Michelle Pienaar (AOK Programme Manager at Mandela Mining Precinct)

    Michelle Pienaar

    AOK Programme Manager at Mandela Mining Precinct

    As the programme Manager for the Advanced Orebody Programme in the South African Mining, Extraction Research, Development and Innovation strategy, at the Mandela Mining Precinct, Michelle is interested in developing technologies to create the ultimate glass rock environment. Michelle holds a BSc. Honours in Geology from the University of Johannesburg. She has over 17 years’ experience within the mining industry where she started her career as a mine geologist but later progressed to a Geoscience Manager on numerous deep level gold operations

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  • Shiren Ramparsad (Programme Manager: SATCAP at Mandelaminingprecinct)

    Shiren Ramparsad

    Programme Manager: SATCAP at Mandelaminingprecinct

    Shiren Ramparsad holds a PhD in Education from the University of South Africa, and was formerly Head of HRD at Sibanye-Stillwater. As programme manager of the Successful Applications of Technologies Centred Around People (SATCAP) programme at the Mandela Mining Precinct, Shiren is responsible for leading research on the impacts of mine modernisation on people.

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  • Jean-Jacques (JJ) Verhaeghe (Manager: Programme Manager for the Real-time Information Systems programme (known as ‘RTIMS’) at Minerals Council of South Africa)

    Jean-Jacques (JJ) Verhaeghe

    Manager: Programme Manager for the Real-time Information Systems programme (known as ‘RTIMS’) at Minerals Council of South Africa

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jverhaeghe1/

    RTIMs focusses on Research, Technology and Innovation in/for 4th Industrial Revolution Technologies and Approaches for the Minerals Council South Africa.
    JJ's career of 30 years spans several industries and geographies, he is a globally certified PMP (Project Management Professional) and NPDP (New Product Development Professional), including COBIT, ITIL and BPMs. He completed the MBA-LS degree at the University of Cumbria and a Master’s in Science in Information Systems Management degree from the University of Salford (England).
    JJ leads and chairs the Mining Industry’s Digital and IT Policy Management Committee and serves as co-chair at the Industry Internet of Things Consortium’s Mining Vertical Working Group. He also serves as Organising Committee member for the Digitalisation in Mining Conference (for the SAIMM). He was recently invited to serve on the Mining Indaba Advisory Committee for Technology and Innovation. He still finds time to assist and collaborate with MEMSA (Mining Equipment Manufacturers of South Africa) whenever the opportunity presents.

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  • Jurgens Visser (Test Mine Programme Manager at Mandela Mining Precinct)

    Jurgens Visser

    Test Mine Programme Manager at Mandela Mining Precinct

    https://mandelaminingprecinct.org.za/test-facility/

    As programme manager for the Industry Test Mine, Jurgens Visser is interested in the modernisation of the SA mining industry, with a focus on the establishment of a Test Mine which will support the sustainability of hard rock mining in South Africa.

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