This year’s Investing in African Mining Indaba is set to be held in Cape Town and the event will see the launch of a three-day InfraTech content platform.
BusinessTech Africa understands that the indaba will include discussions on innovation in mining technology and how global pandemics and geopolitical realities act as accelerators in technological progress and make supply chains resilient and agile.
Scheduled to take place in the Mother City from February 6 to 8, the Indaba will cover the latest technology developments that contribute to building and delivering mines of the future.
Portfolio director Simon Ford said for the first time in 2022, the Indaba hosted a dedicated infrastructure and supply chain forum.
“Such was the success of that programme that we have integrated it with our technology-focused Mining 2050 stream to create the brand new three-day InfraTech content platform looking at critical aspects of mining infrastructure, technologies, and building effective supply chains,” he says.
Also, under discussion at InfraTech will be the just energy transition and the push for renewable energy.
Engineering News has it that the increased demand for critical minerals needed in renewable energy solutions will mean a renewed interest in exploration and the need for a holistic lifecycle approach.
Speakers will also discuss the future of work and how mining companies are adapting to the new normal while creating vital employment and using technology.
Part of the panel is industry experts such as BHP Xplor VP Sonia Scarselli, Kumba Iron Ore COO Vijay Kumar, Siemens Southern, and Eastern Africa CEO Sabina Dall’Omo, Ivanhoe Mines sustainability VP Jasmine Abrahams, Zanaco CCO Chali Mwefyeni and CGC Consulting & ADAPT Digital Solutions CEO and founder Clive Govender.
The panel will weigh in on how academia can work with original equipment manufacturers and mining companies to develop a highly-skilled and motivated workforce and more importantly, make mining attractive to the next generation of professionals.
The panel will be moderated by Free State University rector and vice-chancellor Professor Francis Peterson who will glean insights from Minktek CEO Dr. Molefi Mutuku, University of Cape Town deputy vice-chancellor Professor Sue Harrison, University of the Witwatersrand vice-chancellor and principal Professor Zeblon Vilakazi and Council for Scientific and Industrial Research CEO Dr. Thulani Dlamini.
