Wits Mining Institute Seminar

Turning research curiosity into 21st Century minerals industry performance, relationships and technology

The Wits Mining Institute will offer a three-day seminar based on the success of the Digital Technology Trends for 21st Century Mining seminar over the past three years and in commemoration of Wits' centennial. Work at the WMI, technology developed by our partners, and the findings of notable experts will be presented on themes vital to mining in the 21st Century.

TOPICS

The seminar will focus on three core topics:

• Technology and innovation for a sustainable, responsible and competitive minerals sector
• Skills development for 21st Century mining
• Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues in mining

BACKGROUND 

The Wits Mining Institute (WMI) at the University of the Witwatersrand is a long-standing source of expertise in mining-related fields of study. There are five centres at the WMI whose goals are to help shape a sustainable, responsible and competitive mining sector in the 21st century.

1. Sibanye-Stillwater Digital Mining Laboratory (DigiMine) is a 21st Century state of the art and one-of-a-kind laboratory that conducts tests, research and development, and innovation, transferring surface digital technologies into the underground mining environment.
2. SAMERDI Successful Applications of Technology Centred Around People (SATCAP) Research Centre aims to contribute to a productive industry through sustainable relationships and shared value for people in a minerals sector that is modernising.
3. SAMERDI Real Time Information Management Systems (RTIMS) Research Centre aims to build capacity in digital intellectual capital through fundamental research into technical, technological, and strategic issues in pursuit of 4IR technology readiness in the South African minerals sector.
4. Responsible Mining Laboratory (RML) promotes responsible mining - mining that achieves zero harm, realises net positive environmental impacts, improves social performance and leaves a positive legacy.
5. Skills Accelerator supports the other research units by focusing on skills development and training programmes to facilitate 21st Century mining, providing people greater mobility within the sector and to other sectors.

SEMINAR OBJECTIVES 

This seminar aims to strengthen collaboration between Wits University, the industry, technology providers and other research institutions. It is also aimed at showcasing the value of research as a first step to the development of technology that can be applied in the minerals industry. Over the three days, the seminar will:

• Feature the work of the WMI, demonstrating the value of investing in R&D and building capacity
• Showcase our partners' technologies and prospects that resulted from our partnership
• Present cutting-edge research on topics critical to mining in the 21st Century
• Provide exceptional networking and friendship-building opportunities with academic and industry peers

CPD ACCREDITATION 

Wits certificates of attendance will be issued to those attending all three days (NQF level 6, 10 continuous professional development (CPD) points registered with ECSA).