Legacy tailings and slag dumps: Turning challenges into opportunities

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Created: Thursday, 24 April 2025 05:38

Written by E. Matinde

As highlighted in some of my previous articles, the role of mining in the global economy cannot be underestimated. For centuries, the mining industry has contributed to the sustainable economic development of many countries. In fact, Max Plank, the father of quantum physics, is famously quoted to having said that ‘mining is not everything, but without mining there is nothing’. This century-old statement is still very relevant today, as all critical minerals and metals need to be mined, processed, and refined before they can be used in consumer goods, engineering equipment, and infrastructure. Unfortunately, the mining, processing, and refining of minerals and metals face its own environmental challenges. In particular, the various unit processes involved in the mining and recovery of valuable components from the run-of-mine ores generate large masses of waste materials, mostly in the form of chemically and mineralogically complex waste rock and tailings. Further downstream processes, such as those involved in the smelting and refining of metals and alloys, produce large volumes of wastes in the form of slags and fly ash. Regardless of the unit process producing them, these waste materials have common and overlapping characteristics in that their production is sometimes inevitable, they are produced in large volumes, and lastly, they tend to be chemically heterogenous and mineralogically complex.

Solid mine and metallurgical wastes (such as waste rock, tailings, slags, and ash) are collectively classified as mine residues. Due to the relatively low intrinsic monetary value, mine residues are normally disposed of in specially designed tailings facilities and slag ponds. Fortunately, the design of modern tailings storage and slag dump facilities is governed by various national legislations, global standards, and international best practices to minimise unintended impact on the environment and communities. Various industry standards and guidelines, such as the South African SANS 10286, provide guidance on the management of mine residue deposits and other forms of solid wastes. More recently, the global mining industry further reiterated its commitment to zero harm by voluntarily adopting the Global International Standards on Tailings Management (GISTM). The GISTM is a global standard that provides a common and standardised definition and best practices in the design, monitoring, and management of tailings facilities. The international standards and best practices require that active sites be continuously monitored throughout the lifecycle of the facility, an attribute that may not be applicable to legacy tailings and slag dump facilities.

For the purpose of this article, I would like to define legacy tailings and slags dumps as accumulated process residues emanating from the historical closure of mining sites and smelters long before the relevant standards and environmental legislation were promulgated and adopted. Both types of process residues have legacy ownership challenges, potentially due to multiple changes in ownership and/or the liquidation of known registered owners. This means that the management of the historical tailings and slag dump facilities then falls outside the active legislative mandates and best practice guidelines. Regardless of the process or commodity producing them, both legacy tailings and slag dump storage facilities have a number of common and overlapping characteristics in that: (a) they are man-made in nature and have potential to cause notable environmental impact from the accumulation of potentially toxic metal elements, (b) they are formed ex-situ and may have undergone physical, chemical, and/or thermal alteration over a period of time, an attribute that makes their long term geochemical behaviour unpredictable, (c) they form an emerging and irreversible component of the anthropocene, with the potential to permanently alter the natural environment and ecosystems, and lastly, (d) they both can play significant roles in the circular economy as sustainable sources of minerals through deliberate remining and other reclaiming activities.

The aforementioned attributes create both challenges and opportunities. Firstly, not much data is published in open access literature to highlight the long-term geochemical behaviour and impact of legacy mine residues. Secondly, in the absence of real-time monitoring data, it may be difficult to understand the long-term geochemical impact of these legacy facilities. Because of the legacy and ownerless nature of some of the storage facilities, the affected sites may fail to benefit from improvements in monitoring technologies and best practices. However, legacy tailings and slag dumps can play a significant role in the sustainable supply of critical raw materials. By taking a ‘waste-to-resources’ approach, legacy mine residues have the capacity to revitalise the economies of affected communities through their reclamation for use in transversal industries.

The production and accumulation of mine residues is inevitable if humanity is to continue enjoying the same level of affluence and economic development. It is a fact that some mining and smelter sites may close as a result of unavoidable factors such economic disruptions, technoeconomic cycles (such as the potential impact of clean energy transition on coal mining), and resource depletion. This means that there is a need for future thinking to mitigate the post closure economic and environmental impact of tailings and slag dumps. This pragmatic approach is not new to the mining industry and academia, and in fact, was discussed in detail during the recently concluded SAIMM Mine Closure Conference 2025. The upcoming SAIMM Tailings Conference 2026 also provides an important platform to further debate some of these pertinent issues. In addition, I also would like to draw attention to a very impactful paper by Prof. Isabelle Demers (available at https://doi.org/10.1017/mcl.2024.4).

Dealing with environmental issues emanating from legacy mine residues is not trivial. Rather, it is a complicated endeavour that requires a multi-disciplinary approach by all stakeholders. In conclusion, I would like to remind all policy makers, geotechnical engineers, geochemists, hydrogeologists, process engineers, pyrometallurgists, biologists, archaeometallurgists, among others, that the call for abstracts for the SAIMM Tailings Conference 2026 closes on the 1st of July 2025. Please register to attend the conference so that we can collectively discuss these issues.
https://www.saimm.co.za/saimm-events/upcoming-events/tailings-2026-conference

E. Matinde
President, SAIMM

Navigating the complexity of retrenchments and layoffs in the mining industry: In search of a collective ubuntu-based approach

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Created: Thursday, 03 April 2025 05:27

Written by E. Matinde

The mining industry is an integral part of the South African economy. According to the Minerals Council of South Africa, the mining industry contributed around 425 billion rands (or 6.2%) to the country’s GDP in 2023. In the same period, the mining industry also employed over 470,000 people, thereby contributing significantly to the socioeconomic wellbeing of mining and nearby communities. More details on the most recent statistics are available here: https://www.mineralscouncil.org.za/reports/2023/. As has been in the past, the mining industry remains a cornerstone and plays an inseparable role in the economy through multiplier contributions, such as investing in social projects and infrastructure, training and skills development, health and education.

The cyclical nature of mining sector profitability presents unprecedent challenges to the long term stability of the industry. Despite the net-positive impact of the clean energy transition on some commodities, domestic and global headwinds such as capital scarcity, declining commodity prices, disruptive technologies, rising operating costs, and harsh domestic economic conditions, among others, continue to present long-term viability challenges to most mining operations in the mining sector. These industry headwinds naturally affect the mining sector differently, with some operations being affected more adversely than others. The platinum group metal (PGM) industry, for example, was severely impacted by the long-term decline in commodity basket prices for PGMs in the global markets, mostly driven by the growing concerns about the demand disruption from electrical vehicles.

In order to survive these headwinds, the mining industry finds itself with the need to cut costs and implement drastic restructuring strategies. The recent cost cutting and restructuring measures implemented by some companies in the South African mining industry naturally resulted in the significant reduction in the workforce through retrenchments and layoffs. Within the last two years, notable retrenchments and layoffs were observed across the various commodities in the sector, with the PGM sector being the most affected. Being one of the largest employers within the South African mining industry, employing over 38% of the total mining workforce in 2023, any impact on the PGM industry will have an oversized weighted impact on the overall employment statistics and perception of the mining sector. Regrettably, retrenchments and layoffs are not common to the mining sector alone, but are also being experienced across the other core segments of the economy. Recent public reports attest to this painful reality in the manufacturing sector as well.

Retrenchments and layoffs can be viewed as an inevitable consequence of every bad business cycle. While retrenchments and layoffs might seem inhumane, they can sometimes be necessary, albeit drastic, measures to ensure the survival of the company during economic downturns. This means that implementing cost reduction and restructuring decisions can sometimes be a matter of survival and a necessary step to ensure long-term business continuity. However, if managed properly and conducted in good faith, retrenchments and layoffs can result in improved efficiency and profitability growth in the long term, leading to future protection of jobs and improvement in employee welfare.

Retrenchments and layoffs represent some of the most challenging and delicate decisions any organisation can make. Nonetheless, retrenchments and layoffs should be used as a last resort and should not be used as a tool to solve challenges emanating from temporary economic shifts, Trump-like geoeconomic disruptions, and poor strategic decisions by management. Due to the irreversible damage to organisational brand and the emotional and socioeconomic wellbeing of employees and affected communities, there is a strategic need to balance humanity over short-term profits. Although easier said than done, a more feasible approach would be to focus on cutting costs through improving operational efficiency and business model innovation, rather than arbitrarily reducing the employee headcount. In the worst case scenario, it is also important to explore alternative and more humane strategies to reducing headcount, such as natural attrition, voluntary separation, and early retirement, among others. Open communication and taking collective responsibility beyond what are mandated by national labour laws and company policies are crucial requirements to navigating the complexity and impact associated with a retrenchment process.

Job loss is always an emotive process. In addition to the usual feelings of anger, resentment, and sense of inadequacy, the feelings associated with a lack of job security often leads to the poor physical and mental health of affected individuals and their families. Since the impact of retrenchments and layoffs extend beyond the affected employees to their families and communities, there is a need for a collective approach to explore viable ‘beyond the fence’ support to assist affected individuals and communities to cope with the changes and losses. For example, collaborative efforts involving the state institutions, mining companies and their suppliers, industry bodies, organised labour, communities and local municipalities, among others, can have significant impact in assisting the affected individuals through community based social and enterprise development projects. It is also important to retain an active register of affected employees and giving them first preference in case of a successful turnaround.

A people oriented strategy is also required to support those affected by restructuring processes leading to a reduction in the workforce. For example, a longer term view on career transition support, through reskilling and multi-skilling the individuals who are at risk to acquire artisanry, technical and enterprise skills, can help to mitigate the socioeconomic impact of retrenchments and layoffs. Reskilling the workforce through artisanal, professional, and postgraduate training also increases employability of effected individuals in transversal industries. These approaches can only be successful if implemented early in one’s career so as to increase the chances of internalisation of the knowledge and skills, which in themselves are core determinants to building individual self-efficacy and the likelihood of entrepreneurial success. As SAIMM, we offer a wide variety of self-mastery and industry relevant CPD-accredited training courses, conferences, and webinars that can assist individuals to navigate the complex self-learning space. Self-learning through the various open access online platforms can also increase one’s ability to acquire new skills and adapt to shifting employment trends.

In conclusion, retrenchments and layoffs are very emotive issues. Thus, the purpose of my article is neither to take a moral position against retrenchments and layoffs, nor is it an attempt to glorify workforce reduction as a viable and moral corporate cost-cutting measure. Rather, the sole purpose of this article is to stimulate a healthy and constructive debate on how we can collectively navigate the complex needs for business continuity while mitigating the emotional and socio-economic impact on affected colleagues and communities.

E. Matinde
President, SAIMM

Industrial policy: Key to unlocking beneficiation potential?

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Created: Wednesday, 05 March 2025 07:56

Written by E. Matinde

In one of my previous articles, I floated the idea that critical minerals can be key levers to industrial development, leading to substantive technological and economic catch-up. Although the role of mineral endowment in the technological and economic catch-up framework is vague and still poorly understood, there is no doubt that value addition and localisation of manufacturing value chains can have a long term impact on the economic well-being of resource-rich countries. The emphasis on industrial development means that the concept of technological and economic catch-up should not be viewed narrowly within the context of clean energy or just energy transition, but rather, from a broader industrialisation and technology upgrading point of view. The nexus between value-added manufacturing capabilities and industrial development has precipitated urgent calls for resource-rich countries to increase the level of beneficiation of mineral resources in host communities.

The view that Africa should focus on exporting processed products rather than raw commodities were echoed in various discussion forums at the recently concluded Mining Indaba 2025 held in Cape Town. The theme of this year’s indaba had an interesting vibe to it, with key discussions focusing on the requisite actions to secure the future of African mining, with specific emphasis on increasing investment confidence, policy stability, and on building collaborative partnerships that can lead to shared and tangible economic value. Judging by the intensity of messaging, there is obvious convergence among politicians, academia, and industry on the need to increase the levels of value addition and beneficiation in host communities. Public announcements by key industry and public figures also highlighted the need to promulgate policies that incentivises local beneficiation, with specific emphasis on fostering innovation and sustainability in the minerals industry. Despite the strong convergence on the need to maximise the value addition and beneficiation of mineral products, both industry and the public seem to hold diverging views on the implementation framework and way forward. For example, the focus by industry on the need for more incentives, tax breaks, infrastructure availability (such as electricity, rail, and port), and quality of skills, may be dichotomous to government priorities of focusing on industrialisation, socio-economic development, and employment creation for historically disadvantaged members of society. These diverging views and priorities naturally create challenges to the implementation of a holistic value addition and beneficiation strategy unless protracted effort is directed at developing and implementing an industrial policy and implementation strategy that caters for the needs of all the stakeholders in the industry.

Industrial policy can be defined in many ways. In principle, industrial policy refers to a deliberate government strategy to actively support and shape specific industries in economic sectors deemed crucial for competitiveness in the global arena. Depending on economic capacity and need, a government can use industrial policy tools and levers such as subsidies, tax breaks, trade protection, dedicated R&D funding, and preferential procurement, among others, to promote a sector-specific technological advancement and, ultimately, the overall industrial development and economic development. Using industrial policies and its levers to stimulate growth in a specific industry is not new and can be traced back to influential economists. One such example was Friedrich List (1789-1846), a German economist who, through his seminal nationalist theory of political economy, advocated for the need to use tariffs as a tool to protect fledgling industries. Recent examples of targeted industrial policies levers include China’s Made in China 2025 strategy, the United States’ CHIPS and Science Act 2022, Japan’s Monozukuri economic blueprint, and Germany’s Industrie 4.0, among others. For the African continent, the African Minerals Development Strategy promulgated by the African Union is a bold and ambitious strategy that has significant potential to promote the sustainable extraction, production, beneficiation, and commercialisation of Africa’s mineral resources.

While industrial policies and other statutory instruments can act as effective tools and levers to increase the local content of value-added manufacturing and services in the mining sector, their effectiveness is strongly dependent on a myriad of economic, social, technological, and political factors. If value-addition and beneficiation is a mission, then the industry needs mission-oriented industrial policies to drive innovation and technological upgrading in that specific industry. Instead of protectionism and tariffs as tools and policy levers, a clear strategic framework supported by bold strategies and incentive levers to encourage new players to integrate into the downstream beneficiation of mineral products is required. Similar to China’s deliberate support of new and strategic industries through the Made in China 2025 strategy, tangible results and impact can be achieved by supporting and incubating agile SMEs and SMMEs to drive the downstream industries. By supporting the so-called “little giants” in strategic industries (see details here https://thediplomat.com/2024/08/china-is-betting-big-on-its-little-giants/), the Chinese government deliberately considers smaller firms as valuable sources of innovation and basic force for improving the competitiveness of the value addition and beneficiation supply chain. Through strategic support, the state plays dual entrepreneurial and accelerator roles (an interesting analysis is available here: https://merics.org/en/report/accelerator-state-how-china-fosters-little-giant-companies), akin to building and supporting an Olympic sports team.

In conclusion, the dissonance arising from the current export of raw and unbeneficiated mineral commodities is understandable. However, there is a need for practical steps to increase the levels of value addition and beneficiation in host communities. A clear strategic framework supported by bold policies and incentive levers is required to integrate new entrants into the downstream beneficiation of mineral products. Akin to craftmanship, building a solid base of skills through high quality STEM graduates and industry PhDs is crucial to unlock the entrepreneurial potential of SMMEs and SMEs active in the downstream industries. R&D incentive levers and collaborations (local, regional, and international) are also required to unlock value from complex value chains.

In line with my quest for a deeper Socratic engagement, I am looking forward to further engagement on this complex subject.

E. Matinde
President, SAIMM

Reigniting the research collaborations in the mining industry: too little, too late?

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Created: Wednesday, 12 February 2025 08:19

Written by E. Matinde

The global mining industry has experienced unprecedented challenges within the last few years. Some, if not most of the challenges affecting the industry are not new, however, the complexity of the prevailing global economic and geopolitical environments makes their navigation more challenging. Global disruptions such as capital scarcity, volatile commodity prices, climate change, resource and reserve depletion, cybersecurity and technological disruptions, and increasing exploration and operating costs, among others, will continue to significantly impact the profitability and sustainability of mining operations in many jurisdictions. Rapid technological changes will not only require deeper understanding of technological cycles but will also dictate agile adoption and implementation of state-of-the art technological solutions so as to minimise disruption. The emergence of new value chains driven by the clean energy transition, although presenting a net positive impact to the industry, will continue to create new operational requirements that require a deeper understanding of processes and technologies in order to build economically viable, safe, and socially responsible business models.

Obviously, the Southern African mining industry is not immune to these global challenges and dynamics. However, behind every obstacle lies an opportunity for growth. For example, the mining industry can leverage on the rapid advancements in technology to boost productivity and safety. Collaboration among the key stakeholders in the mining industry, such as leveraging on relationships involving industry, academia, and state-owned research institutions, can also unlock solutions to collective challenges that no one entity in the industry can solve on its own. Although this collaboration can take many forms, the implementation of multidisciplinary strategic research projects and programmes designed to strengthen capacity through postgraduate training and collaborative research programmes can significantly assist the industry to navigate operational challenges and uncertainty. If designed and managed properly, such collaborative platforms can lead to the successful development of new technologies and adoption of agile solutions and postgraduate training programmes that are accessible to all stakeholders in the industry.

Postgraduate training can involve many shapes and forms. Of particular interest, and perhaps the most relevant to the Southern African context, is the implementation of industry-based doctoral training and research programmes. Although the impact of doctoral recipients in most developing economies is a subject of intense debate, there is no doubt that doctoral training programmes create an ecosystem that enhances the capacity to adopt foreign technologies and develop own or endogenous innovations. Industry-focused doctoral training programmes (simply referred to as industry PhDs) are increasingly becoming popular globally. Such training programmes tend to be more practice oriented and are structured to allow the generation and application of advanced knowledge and skills directly in professional settings. In this case, the training programmes are designed to solve real-world problems faced by the mining industry and are carried out in close collaboration involving industry partners as the potential end-users of the solutions. The conception and development of research solutions in situ naturally increase the chances of developing new technologies, products, and processes that are relevant to the market.

Industry PhD training programmes can have a long-term net positive impact on the competitiveness of the mining industry by providing the flexibility to solve common challenges that no single entity has the capacity to solve on their own. Mining companies and/or service providers can have access to fresh perspectives from other research partners and gain timely access to cutting edge research results, thereby reducing the risks and time to implementation. The ability to share resources, infrastructure, and access to intra- and multi-disciplinary expertise increases the ability to develop robust solutions to the challenges faced by industry. The training programmes also present unparalleled benefits to researchers and doctoral students alike. In addition to providing access to shared research facilities and industry expertise, industry PhD training programmes provide the researchers with the opportunity to conduct relevant research that solves industry problems through an authentic community of practice. The ability to obtain hands-on research experience in an industry setting, including opportunities for secondment, also broadens career and employment opportunities for the doctoral recipients.

Although the benefits of proposed collaborative research programmes are obvious, the implementation can be challenging due to the need to address the myriad funding and legal issues. One typical approach to navigate the legal complexities, such as those of IP ownership, is to focus on non-IP specific research projects and topics designed to generate and disseminate knowledge in open access platforms. The implementation can be achieved by establishing a research advisory committee representing the various stakeholders, networks, and/or segments to identify the key industry challenges, conceptualize common and cross-cutting research topics, and to align and drive common purpose and strategic objectives. The role of the advisory committee also includes defining and establishing a clear and robust legal and governance framework to manage complex Research and Development contracts, including implementing a robust and yet flexible IP governance structure through collaborative research agreements. In addition to a well-structured legal framework to guide the strategic partnerships arising therefrom, it is also crucial to develop and sustain trust and interpersonal relationships among the key stakeholders. For state-owned research and academic institutions, developing and implementing the right policy levers are also critical success variables.

In conclusion, as the mining industry continues to face existential challenges, it is futile to assume that there can be a single entity that can solve such challenges on its own. Although there is no quintessential solution to the quantum and complex nature of some of the challenges, collaboration through industry-based doctoral training programmes can have sustained impact on the sector and broader economy. Research collaboration is a complex endeavour and, for this reason, the implementation thereof requires a collective approach by all the stakeholders.

E. Matinde
President, SAIMM

Reflections on 2024: Resilience and hope

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Created: Wednesday, 11 December 2024 06:25

Written by E. Matinde

Over the past few weeks, I have asked a number of my colleagues in the mining industry about their sentiments on the current and future status of the mining industry in South Africa and the region. Although this exploratory exercise was not based on any specific scientific design, the responses were extremely diverse, ranging from extreme pessimism and despondency to excitement and hope. Obviously, the responses depended on specific factors such as geographical location, stage in one’s career and commodity of interest. Of course, I totally understand the sentiments of those who felt overwhelmed, despondent, and even despair in 2024. Despite the optimism at the beginning of the year, 2024 was a tough year for most mining companies, especially those affected by falling basket prices of commodities such as PGM, lithium, and nickel. I also understand the positive sentiment for those whose operations were backed by star commodity performers such as gold, copper, rare earths, and graphite.

The huge supply/demand deficit arising from supply outpacing demand for most, had a significant impact on the producer market prices. Despite commodities such as PGM (in particular, palladium), lithium, and nickel playing a critical role in the clean energy transition, overcapacity and oversupply in the market depressed the commodity prices, leading to mothballed mining projects, mine closures, and retrenchments. The industry also had to contend with capital scarcity, inflation-induced increase in operating costs, resources and reserve depletion, technological disruptions, geopolitics, and protectionism. The fractured geopolitical environment not only creates challenges to raising capital and acquiring cutting edge technologies, but also presents security of tenure and operation in the various mining jurisdictions. At first glance, the outlook in the Southern African mining industry appears grim. The depressed prices of major commodities paint a picture of an industry in decline, a sunset industry with limited growth opportunities. Although disturbing, these challenges provide opportunities for a mindset shift in the industry. All we need is a growth mindset that can turn the current obstacles into an opportunity to build resilience in our beloved industry.

We have a lot of reasons to celebrate. We are talking about an industry that is capable of reinventing itself, an industry that is capable of mobilizing the resources and stamina needed to spur sustainable economic growth. For optimists like me, who view the world through the glass half full lenses, our industry is just going through a metamorphic change and will emerge stronger and better, like the mythical phoenix bird. According to Greek mythology and analogues in many other cultures, a phoenix is an immortal bird that cyclically regenerates itself. Associated with the sun, the phoenix obtains new life by rising from the ashes of its predecessor, symbolizing hope, resurrection and renewal. Our mining once went through many devastating economic cycles and yet emerged stronger and more resilient, thanks to the clean energy transition that has presented numerous opportunities to the mining industry. The mining industry is at the core of the clean transition as a supplier of the raw materials needed to transition to a net-zero economy. In my October commentary, I highlighted how the emerging economic epoch, driven by critical metals and minerals, is an opportunity for industrialization through high value exports and localization of manufacturing value chains for clean energy technologies. These opportunities can only be realized if we are intentional about the desired impact.

As the year comes to an end, we find ourselves reflecting. The key message for 2024 is that it is not all doom and gloom. Like the mythical phoenix bird, our industry will rise and shine again. As we take time off to break for a much deserved holiday, we need to remain hopeful and reflect on how we can continue to grow our industry.

I wish everyone happy and safe holidays.

E. Matinde
President, SAIMM

Reflections and Lessons Learnt From the 17th International Ferroalloys Congress (INFACON XVII)

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Created: Thursday, 28 November 2024 07:46

Written by E. Matinde

The 17th edition of the International Ferroalloys Congress (INFACON XVII), jointly organized and hosted by the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB), Chinese Society for Metals, and the China Ferroalloy Industry Association, took place from 18 to 22 September 2024 in Beijing, People’s Republic of China. The INFACON series, often dubbed the ‘Olympics of Ferroalloy Research’, is held once every three years, and provides a platform for the global ferroalloys industry to meet and showcase knowledge and technologies driving the industry. The congress series is organized by the International Committee on Ferroalloys (ICFA) and is supported by a team of dedicated international experts representing industry, applied research,
and academia. The conference papers published as part of the congress proceedings contribute to a rich and authoritative peer-reviewed body of knowledge in fundamental and applied ferroalloys research. This year’s congress comprised a variety of topics designed to address industry challenges and was centred around strategic themes such as:

• Fundamental knowledge and basic theory of ferroalloys production (e.g. thermodynamics, thermochemistry and process challenges).
• Climate change, environmental, sustainability, and social licence to operate, addressing the drive to decarbonization, climate neutrality and green transition (e.g. hydrogen/ hydrogen plasma reduction, use of biocarbons and other non-fossil reductants, carbon capture and utilization, and the like).
• Intelligent systems, incorporating computational modelling, automation, process control, and machine learning.
• Productivity and competitiveness (e.g. ability to utilize low grade ores and fines, stable furnace operation, prereduction, preheating, recycling and recovery of by-products, energy utilization and recovery).
• Markets and competitiveness, focusing on demand and supply, including in-depth analysis of growth drivers.
• Product quality control and its impact on downstream stainless steel production.
• Key technological and operational issues highlighted through case studies (e.g. slag properties, electrical controls, tap hole design, and optimized furnace operation).

The history of the INFACON series is especially fascinating and uniquely important to South Africa. The first edition, jointly organized by SAIMM, Mintek (formerly the National Institute of Metallurgy) and the Ferroalloys Producers’ Association (FAPA), was held in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1974. The chairperson of the first INFACON was none other than Dr R.E. ‘Robbie’ Robinson (1929-2016, MHDSRIP). Dr Robbinson was the President of SAIMM (1975-1976), Director of the (South African) Government Metallurgical Laboratory (GML) from 1961-1966, and Director General of the National Institute for Metallurgy (NIM) from 1966−1976. During this period, Dr Robinson was also instrumental in initiating university research group schemes involving the various university departments and Mintek. This year’s INFACON XVII edition marked the 50th anniversary of the conference series and it is by no coincidence that the conference was chaired by Prof. Rodney Trevor Jones, whose career and rich contribution to ferroalloys research is unparalleled globally. Ironically, Prof. Jones is a Past President of the SAIMM (2015−2016), an avid academic, a well respected mentor, and advisor in the industry. It is also important to note that, courtesy of the industry giants, South Africa, through Mintek, provides permanent secretariat to the international committee that arranges the INFACON events.

The INFACON XVII provided a nostalgic moment to reflect on both the demise and future of the ferroalloys industry in South Africa. The timing of the congress coincided with a period associated with fluctuations in the global prices of ferroalloys, leading to a decline in economic viability and competitiveness of most producers, including those in South Africa. Despite the availability of ores and long-term favourable international market conditions for stainless steel (with a compound annual growth rate of 5.3% since 1980), one would expect the installed capacity and capacity utilization of the South African ferroalloys producers to grow in line with the growth in the global stainless-steel market. However, the South African bulk ferroalloys industry gradually lost global competitiveness due to several factors, including the poor availability and increasing cost of electricity, ageing technologies, and a significant increase in the pricing of premium ores. These factors, among several others, have contributed to the precipitous decline of the ferroalloys industry in the past decade, resulting in the closure and mothballing of numerous smelters. The export of unbeneficiated raw ores, precipitated by the growth in demand from China, resulted in the emergence of a thriving export industry for raw or unbeneficiated ores at the demise of local value addition and beneficiation. To South Africa and the region, the 17th edition of the International Ferroalloys Congress thus coincides with the emergence of robust debate on how to revive and resuscitate the ferroalloys industry. The current state of the ferroalloys industry invariably presents both challenges and opportunities.
The vibrant discussions during the course of INFACON XVII were extremely fulfilling but naturally raised a number of open questions:

• Was China’s growth in the ferroalloys a result of deliberate investment in state-of-the-art technologies or simply state support as often alluded to in international media?
• Was the growth in Chinese ferroalloys production at the demise of the South African industry despite the former relying on imported ores from South Africa?
• What can the South African ferroalloys industry learn from their Chinese counterparts? Would the industry players from both sides be open to participating in jointly funded collaboration projects and programmes?
• Would a joint South Africa-China dialogue on ferroalloys research be a feasible vehicle to share knowledge, ideas, and technical expertise?
• Industry stoics, such as Prof. Robbie Robinson, were strong believers in collaborative research involving industry, academia, research councils, and other stakeholders. Would the conception and implementation of strategic research programmes help to alleviate the further demise of the local ferroalloys industry?
• Given the fragmentation of the local ferroalloys industry, is it a far-fetched dream to think of resuscitating Professor Robinson’s thinking and strategy towards building and sustaining scientific expertise in the industry?
• What role can research and industry organizations, such as Mintek and Ferro Alloy Producers Association (FAPA), respectively, play in developing a long-term research and development strategy leading to the revival of the ferroalloys industry in South Africa?

Obviously, these open-ended questions are not conclusive but are meant to stimulate debate and new thinking that could result in the revival of the local ferroalloys industry. The various INFACON editions provide a knowledge exchange platform and mechanism through which bilateral and multilateral collaborations are developed and sustained with the goal of developing and deepening human capital capabilities for South Africa. The collaboration and partnerships with international research institutions and industry also ensure that fit-for-purpose technologies and flowsheets are developed, leading to localization and adoption of global technologies in the local industry.

The next INFACON takes place in the scenic city of Reykjavik in Iceland in June/July 2027.

E. Matinde
President, SAIMM

Critical raw materials result in substantive technological and economic catch-up for the global south: Setting the scene for a deeper Socratic dialogue

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Created: Wednesday, 06 November 2024 06:54

Written by E. Matinde

The debate on sustainable economic development is increasingly focused on the widescale deployment of carbon neutral energy sources to drive the future energy systems. Renewable energy technologies such as hydropower, solar, wind, geothermal, fuel cells and bioenergy, among others, are indispensable to mitigating the impact of anthropogenic global warming while concurrently addressing the energy poverty faced by many countries in the global south. The transition to clean energy generation and storage systems is metal and mineral intensive and will require a substantive but sustainable supply of many of these critical metals and minerals. For example, metals and minerals such as lithium (Li), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), and graphite are irreplaceable in battery energy storage systems while rare earth metals are critical in the manufacture of high-performance magnets needed for wind turbines and electric vehicles. Likewise, industrial metals such as aluminium (Al) and copper (Cu) are irreplaceable in electricity generation and distribution systems. According to the International Energy Association (2021), electric vehicles require approximately 53 kg Cu, 9 kg Li, 40 kg, 25 kg Mn, 13k g Co, and 66 kg graphite per vehicle, compared to 22 kg Cu and 11 kg Mn in conventional vehicles. In the Minerals for Climate Action report (Hund et al. 2020) compiled by the World Bank Group, it is estimated that the production of critical raw materials (CRMs), such as graphite, lithium and cobalt, will increase by 500% by 2050 to meet the growing demand for clean energy technologies. This giganteum increase in demand in CRMs will create unprecedent opportunities for industrialization to resource-rich countries through exports and localization of value-added manufacturing activities.

Similar to a lot of other countries in the global south, Southern African states are either least developed or middle-income countries with ambitions to escape the poverty trap and catch up with more advanced economies. Contrary to these long-held ambitions to upgrade their economies, the GDP for most countries in sub-Saharan Africa has contracted over a protracted period of time and continue to face unprecedented challenges in transitioning from an economy driven by the exports of low value mineral commodities to manufacturing and knowledge driven economies. Being high value and high impact, clean energy technologies naturally present windows of opportunity for technological and economic upgrading to resource-rich countries such as South Africa. Although often associated with high risk and a high degree of uncertainty, clean energy technologies are characterized by high radical novelty, fast growth, and relatively high economic impact, with significant potential in creating new industries and/or transforming existing ones (Rotolo et al. 2015). There is indisputable evidence that, if managed properly, emerging technologies can indeed result in sustained technological and economic growth, and ultimately, lead to economic catch-up by the countries in the global south.

Economic scholars define ‘catch-up’ as a process by which a developing country narrows the income gap (‘economic catch-up’) and increases its technological capabilities (‘technological catch-up’) relative to frontier countries (Lee, 2013; Lee, 2019). When combined, technological and economic catch-up thus refers to the ability of a developing economy to grow faster compared to frontier economies and eventually reaching similar levels of technological capabilities and per capita income. Thus, in order to reduce the technological and income gaps relative to frontier economies, developing economies must attain and sustain both technological capabilities and income growth more rapidly than the advanced economies. Technological catch-up, which itself is a function of the specific technological strategies adopted as part of the growth strategy, logically precedes economic catch-up. Although ‘technological catch-up’ and ‘economic catch-up’ are not identical, they are closely related to each other in such a way that technological catch-up precedes or leads to market or economic catch-up (Lee, 2013).

Two main models have been proposed to explain catch-up trajectories, namely, path-following (also known as flying geese) catch-up, and leapfrogging catch-up, with the latter form occurring following a stage-skipping or path-creating strategy (Lee, 2013; Lee, 2019). The path following catch-up is a linear and cumulative process whereby the latecomer follows the same technological trajectories taken by frontrunners. In this case, the latecomer moves along the same path, but faster by taking advantage of historical factors such as the maturity, declining costs, and ubiquity of technologies and technical knowledge (Lee, 2013). The leapfrogging model is more complex and occurs when a latecomer bypasses traditional stages of development to either jump directly to the latest technologies (stage-skipping) or explore an alternative path of technological development involving emerging technologies with new benefits and opportunities (path-creating) (Lee, 2019; Yayboke et al. 2020). This form of catch-up often occurs when technologies are shifting towards new technological trajectories, which allow the latecomers to reduce the technological gaps by skipping the older generations to adopt the next generation and cost-efficient technologies. This may, however, depend on a number of factors, such as market availability, cost of next generation of technologies, and/or the willingness of incumbents to share their proprietary technologies (Lee, 2013; Lee, 2019; Yayboke et al. 2020).

Regardless of the leapfrogging model adopted, the ability to catch up is dependent on the windows of opportunity arising from the emergence of new technoeconomic paradigms (Perez and Soete, 1988; Lee and Malerba, 2017). The emergence of radically new technologies, for example, offers latecomers the window of opportunity to leapfrog the incumbents whose technological capabilities and investments are locked into older technologies, limiting their agility to mitigate against the destructive potential of new technologies and products. In contrast, latecomers are able to leapfrog older technologies, bypass sunk investments in previous technology systems, and adapt new and emerging technologies to assume control of markets and thus outcompete the incumbents (Lee and Malerba, 2017). Shorter cycle technologies also present windows of opportunity to latecomers by reducing reliance on old and existing knowledge bases characteristic of longer cycle, often capital-intensive technologies, often dominated by incumbents (Lee, 2013). Complimentary to emerging and shorter cycle technologies, radical changes in demand conditions, business cycles, and/or abrupt changes in markets, such as those presented by the clean energy transition, also increase the ability of agile latecomers to enter new markets, catch up, and leapfrog the incumbents (Lee and Malerba, 2017). The success to catch-up by leapfrogging also depends on the regulatory and institutional framework. Most importantly, deliberate government policies through strategic mission-oriented industrial policies and R&D programs can shape the rate of innovations and accumulation of technological capabilities by domestic firms (Mazzucato, 2018).

Obviously, the ability to catch up is not a free ride, but rather, depends on a number of deliberate efforts and strategic interventions. The answer to sustained catch-up and growth lies in the ability to build technological capabilities, which in this context, can be defined as the ability to effectively assimilate, use new and existing knowledge to create new technologies, products and processes, and to acquire and commercially exploit new knowledge and skills (Lee, 2013). Purposive efforts to build technological capabilities at macro-scale can thus significantly increase the national absorptive capacity to assimilate technologies and knowledge developed by frontier economies (Kinoshita, 2000). Although the importance of national absorptive capacity in technology transfer is widely accepted, very few case studies are available to demonstrate its linkage to sustained technological and economic upgrading in most resource-based economies.

To conclude, the vast majority of literature and policy statements clearly articulate the high technological and economic importance of critical raw materials to the clean energy transition. Most notably, the emerging discourse on net zero transition has mostly focused on the critical roles of resource-rich countries from the global south derisking supply chains for these critical raw materials, which in my view, would only function to exacerbate the current ‘pit to port extractivist’ strategies being employed by most developing economies. In my mind, there is no doubt that the clean energy transition presents windows of opportunity for technological upgrading and industrialization through localization of value-added manufacturing activities. These issues definitely warrant further debate, and it is prudent to explore the macro-level linkages and challenges, and most importantly, the potential industrial policy tools available to increase the localization of manufacturing capabilities by resource-rich countries.

E. Matinde
President, SAIMM

References
Hund, K., La Porta, D., Fabregas, T.P., Laing, T., Drexhage J. 2020. Minerals for Climate Action: The Mineral Intensity of the Clean Energy Transition. The World Bank. https://pubdocs.worldbank.org/en/961711588875536384/Minerals-for-Climate-Action-The-Mineral-Intensity-of-the-Clean-Energy-Transition.pdf

International Energy Association. 2021. The Role of Critical Minerals in Clean Energy Transition. https://www.iea.org/reports/the-role-of-critical-minerals-in-clean-energy-transitions/executive-summary

Kinoshita, Y. 2000. R&D and technology spillovers via FDI: Innovation and absorptive capacity. CERGE-EI Working Paper Series No. 163. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=258194

Lee, K. 2013. Schumpeterian analysis of economic catch-up: Knowledge, path-creation, and the middle-income trap. Cambridge University Press, UK, pp 3-37.

Lee, K., Malerba, F. 2017. Catch-up cycles and changes in industrial leadership: Windows of opportunity and responses of firms and countries in the evolution of sectoral systems. Research Policy, vol. 46, no. 2, pp. 338-351.

Lee, K. 2019. The economics of technological leapfrogging. UNIDO Department of Policy Research and Statistics Working Paper Series WP 17/2019, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3549420

Mazzucato, M. 2018. Mission-oriented innovation policies: Challenges and opportunities. Industrial and Corporate Change, vol. 27, no.5, pp. 803-815.

Perez, C., Soete, L. 1988. Catching up in technology: entry barriers and windows of opportunity. Dosi, G., Freeman, C., Nelson, R., Silverberg, G. & Soete, L. (Editors), Technical Change and Economic Theory, Pinter Publishers, London, pp 458-479.

Rotolo, D., Hicks, D., Martin B.R. 2015. What is an emerging technology? Research Policy vol. 44, no. 10, pp. 1827-1843.

Yayboke, E., Crumpler, W., Carter, W.A. 2020. The promise of leapfrogging. Center for Strategic and International Studies. https://www.csis.org/analysis/need-leapfrog-strategy

Artificial Intelligence in the preparation of scientific documents

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Created: Monday, 09 September 2024 13:23

Written by W.C. Joughin

This is my final President’s Corner article and, I must admit, I feel a sense of relief that it is coming to an end. Initially, the prospect of writing eleven articles, one each month, was quite daunting. While I have extensive experience writing technical consulting reports, and research articles and case studies for conferences and journals—all of which have a clear focus, I have not written many general articles. I therefore decided to experiment with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to see if it could help me to produce these articles.

ChatGPT burst onto the scene in November 2022, introducing the concept of a Large Language Model (LLM) to the world. Until then, chatbots with AI were quite disappointing, but ChatGPT could answer questions sensibly and generate well-constructed sentences and paragraphs very rapidly. Being freely available and easy to use, it became widely used within a short time. LLMs are computational models capable of generating natural language. They are trained using machine-learning techniques on vast quantities of text data sourced from the internet and books. This makes them extremely powerful tools, capable of producing text in multiple languages and even generating code for computer programming. However, they simply return this information in a probabilistic manner, producing plausible outputs, without verifying the facts.

OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, released an upgrade called GPT-4 in March 2023. Microsoft has partnered with OpenAI and incorporated GPT-4 in Copilot, which is a specialized assistant that works with Microsoft products, but can also be used for other purposes. Generative AI is also now included in Bing and Google search engines.

I first played with ChatGPT shortly after it was released, simply generating text and poetry in English and Afrikaans for amusement. I started experimenting with GPT-4 to assist with writing the President’s Corner articles. It is very easy to generate paragraphs with simple instructions. These can then be modified with further instructions until you get something useful. You can choose between precise, creative, or balanced styles. As a test, I attempted to have GPT-4 write an entire article for me. It produced a comprehensive well written article; however, I found it challenging to get it to convey the specific message I wanted to communicate. Additionally, it generated a substantial amount of information that was unfamiliar to me and difficult to verify.

The next step was to utilize the generative AI capability in Google. I found this to be extremely useful as it generates a summary of the information along with links to additional resources, allowing you to verify the information and identify the source. The source data can include news articles, research papers, or presentations, provided they are available on the internet. This significantly accelerates the literature research process.

GPT-4 can also summarize articles very neatly and efficiently; however, I found that it did not always extract the most relevant information for my purposes and invariably required some editing. It is important to note that articles uploaded to GPT-4 for summarization are added to its database, making them accessible to everyone. This is acceptable if the article is already in the public domain and available on the internet: if it is not, there is a risk of disseminating confidential information. While there are methods to protect data while still using the GPT-4 engine, these protections are not available when using the freely accessible version.

I have also found GPT-4 to be very useful for enhancing style and grammar. Typically, I jot down a few sentences quickly without focusing too much on flow or repetition, and then ask GPT-4 to rewrite the paragraph. The results are generally improved, but may still require further manual editing to ensure the correct message is conveyed. There are other tools, such as Wordtune, Paperpal, and Grammarly, that can be used for the same purpose.

The integration of AI into the realm of scientific writing has revolutionized the way researchers draft, edit, and finalize their manuscripts. A Nature survey (https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-02988-6) of 1600 researchers from around the world found that AI is being used to process data, write code, and assist with the writing of papers. It is particularly helpful for researchers whose first language is not English, but need to publish their work in English journals. Scientists are using AI to improve style and grammar and to summarize other articles.

However, there is a risk that research integrity can be compromised and fake papers can be produced. This has significant implications for the peer review process and has been an important topic of discussion for the SAIMM Publications Committee. The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) have drafted guidelines for the use of AI tools and resources in research communication, taking into consideration the views of several international scientific societies and journal publishers’ websites. https://www.assaf.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ASSAf-and-SciELO-DRAFT-Guidelines-for-the-Useof- Artificial-Intelligence-AI-Tools-and-Resources-in-Research-Communication_-4-Sept-2024.pdf

The guideline states that ‘Authors are solely responsible for ensuring the authenticity, validity, and integrity of the content in their manuscripts.’ It is essential for authors to prevent misinformation that is generated by AI tools from being included in papers, because this may impact the quality of future research and global knowledge. Any information generated by AI must be correctly cited and citations generated by AI must be checked. Where content is generated by AI and the source cannot be determined, the guideline provides recommendations on how to reference the AI tool and method of generation. Transparency is important and the use of AI tools should be disclosed; however, it is not necessary to disclose the use of tools to improve grammar and style. The guideline also provides recommendations for editors and reviewers. In addition to their usual responsibility for validation of scientific content, editors and reviewers must consider the effects of AIgenerated content in a publication. AI tools for editing, reviewing, and plagiarism checking must be used in a responsible manner. Reviewers and editors are still required to make decisions regarding the evaluation of manuscripts.

In closing, AI tools have the potential to significantly enhance the efficiency and quality of scientific writing. However, their use must be guided by ethical considerations to ensure the integrity and reliability of scientific research. By understanding and responsibly applying these tools, researchers can leverage AI to advance their work while upholding the standards of academic writing.

W.C. Joughin
President, SAIMM

Relaunch of the Namibian Branch and Rare Earths Conference

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Created: Thursday, 08 August 2024 07:05

Written by W.C. Joughin

The Namibian Branch of the SAIMM was relaunched on 18 June 2024 in Swakopmund, Namibia. Like several other branches, it had become inactive during COVID. Originally established in 2007, the Branch had been quite active before the pandemic, hosting several local events. A few Namibian-based members collaborated to plan the relaunch to coincide with the Rare Earths Conference scheduled for 18–20 June. I had the privilege of attending the relaunch and Conference to address delegates on behalf of the SAIMM.

The relaunch was attended by 27 delegates and the meeting was opened by Kesia Kariko, a Senior Metallurgist with Andrada Mining at Uis mine. The SAIMM Presidential Address was delivered, followed by the election of the Branch Committee. Tomas Aipanda, a mining engineer and current Mining Shift Superintendent at Swakop Uranium, was elected as Chair, while Himeezembi Hengari, a Mining Lecturer from the Namibian University of Science and Technology (NUST), was elected as Vice Chair. Kesia Kariko was elected Secretary. Tomas Aipanda then presented his plans for the Branch, followed by a keynote presentation by Irvinne Simataa, the Executive Vice President of Swakop Uranium. He highlighted the exciting prospects for mining in Namibia, emphasizing the abundance of critical mineral deposits and the quality of education in the country. The presentation also explored how the Namibian minerals industry could collaborate with the SAIMM.

The day before the Conference and preceding the relaunch, a very interesting workshop on rare earths was presented by Damian Connelly of METS. I took advantage of the opportunity to learn a little bit about rare earths.

Rare earth elements (REEs) have unique and useful properties. They have applications in magnetics, batteries, polishing powders, glass and ceramics, fluid cracking catalysts, autocatalysts, phosphors, and fibre optics. Demand is driven by computers, mobile phones, monitors, TVs, medical equipment, mirrors, cameras, hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, fuel cells, maglev trains, wind turbines, fluorescent lights, petroleum production, and low-emission vehicle exhausts. It is difficult to imagine how the modern world would function without REEs. Decarbonization will further increase the demand for these critical elements.

The REEs comprise scandium (Sc), yttrium (Y), and the lanthanide series: lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), praseodymium (Pr), neodymium (Nd), samarium (Sm), europium (Eu), gadolinium (Gd), terbium (Tb), dysprosium (D), holmium (Ho), erbium (Er), thulium (Tm), ytterbium (Yb), and lutetium (Lu). Rare earths occur as oxides, carbonates, phosphates, and silicides in more than 160 minerals, but they are primarily sourced from monazite, bastnasite, and xenotime. These minerals invariably contain significant quantities of uranium (U) and thorium (Th), which are radioactive. The concentration of individual REEs depends on the minerals and nature of the geological deposits in which they are found. The value of the mineral resource depends on the quantities and values of individual REEs. Heavy or yttric REEs (Y and Tb to Lu) are less common and significantly more valuable. The term rare earths is perhaps a misnomer, since the combined REEs are more abundant than carbon in the Earth’s crust, but they rarely occur in mineable concentrations and there are no naturally occurring elemental forms.

In addition to the challenges in finding suitable deposits, the processing of rare earths is difficult, particularly for heavy REEs.Also, there is an increased risk of radiation exposure during processing and the disposal of radioactive waste (waste water and residue) must be carefully managed. Environmental management plans (EMPs) must address surface and groundwater impacts, and prevention of harm to fauna and flora. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) aspects are therefore a key component of any REE project.

Currently, China dominates the rare earths market, accounting for approximately 60% of mine production and close to 90% of processing and refining, and perhaps 99.9% of heavy REEs. As recently as 2005, China’s share of global production was 98%, but production in other countries has steadily increased to meet the growing demand, although processing outside of China has clearly not increased to the same extent. China announced a ban on the export of rare earth extraction and separation technologies in December 2023, and introduced further restrictions aimed at protecting supplies in June this year. This highlights the necessity to mine and process REEs outside of China.

Significant REE mineral deposits have been discovered in Southern Africa and there is potential for further exploration. The challenges in unlocking these resources lie in the successful extraction and separation of all REEs and the responsible management of waste disposal.

The Second International Conference on Rare Earths brought together experts to discuss the latest advancements in the exploration, extraction, and processing of REEs. The theme ‘Global Impact and Sustainable Supply’ was particularly apt. Overall, the Conference highlighted the global significance of REEs and the ongoing efforts to optimize exploration, extraction, and processing. The discussions underscored the importance of sustainable practices and innovative technologies in meeting the growing demand for REEs in high-tech and green energy applications. The event served as a pivotal platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and fostering advances in the REE industry. Congratulations to the Organizing Committee and the Secretariat for putting together a most successful conference.

W.C. Joughin
President, SAIMM

SAIMM and SANIRE

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Created: Wednesday, 10 July 2024 09:38

Written by W.C. Joughin

In April 2024, SAIMM began providing secretarial services to the South African National Institute of Rock Engineering (SANIRE) https://www.sanire.co.za/, following approval by the council in February 2024. These services encompass membership management through the MYMEMBERSHIP platform, coordination of branch meetings and annual conferences, administrative support, and accounting services. Prudence Ntumelang has been re-employed by SAIMM as the SANIRE administrator. This arrangement aims to strengthen the collaboration between SAIMM and SANIRE.

SANIRE operates under a constitution that govern their operations, decision-making processes, and codes of ethics, like the SAIMM. It was established in 1969 as the South African National Group of Rock Mechanics (SANGORM) and became a national group within the newly formed International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM). In 1999, SANGORM was renamed SANIRE, reflecting its objective to evolve into a professional institute.

I am often asked about the difference between rock mechanics and rock engineering. Rock mechanics is a theoretical and applied science of the mechanical behaviour of rocks and rock masses. Rock Engineering is the creative application of rock mechanics, mathematical methods, and empirical evidence to the innovation, design, construction, and maintenance of surface and underground excavations. SANIRE primarily focuses on rock engineering in the mining industry, although it also includes members who work mainly in civil infrastructure. In contrast, the ISRM places a strong emphasis on civil infrastructure, while including mining and energy.

SANIRE is actively involved in the education and qualification of rock engineering practitioners in the South African mining industry. The Minerals Council Rock Mechanics Certificates, previously Chamber of Mines Rock Mechanics Certificates are managed by SANIRE on behalf of the Minerals Council of South Africa (MCSA). These are currently the only rock engineering qualifications currently recognized by the Mine Health and Safety Act of 1996 (MHSA). SANIRE is also actively participating in the MCSA Mine Occupational Health and Safety (MOSH) and Fall of Ground Action Plan (FOGAP) programmes, which I mentioned in my April President’s Corner https://www.saimm.co.za/journal-presidents-corner/1091-quest-for-zero-harm-in-south-african-deep-gold-mines.

The SAIMM and SANIRE have collaborated in the organization of many successful international rock engineering conferences for more than 30 years. Our secretariat carries out all the administrative requirements and co-ordinates the refereeing of papers, while SANIRE provides the technical expertise. Papers on the management of rockfalls and rockbursts have probably featured in the SAIMM journal from the very beginning. However, the term Rock Mechanics was first coined in the 1960s, when the discipline really started in earnest, and the term Rock Engineering was introduced later. Many groundbreaking papers on the subject have been published in our journal, several preceding the formation of the ISRM. More recently recognition has been given through the award of many SAIMM gold and silver medals to papers on rock engineering. Notable multiple medal recipients include Dick Stacey, Nielen van der Merwe, John Napier and Francois Malan. SAIMM books on rock mechanics and rock engineering include: Rock Mechanics in Mining Practice (Sandor Budavari), Handbook on Hard-Rock Strata Control (Sam Spearing), Rock Fracture and Rockbursts-an illustrative study (Dave Ortlepp), Rock Engineering for underground coal mining (Nielen van der Merwe and Bernard Madden), Theoretical Rock Mechanics for Professional Practice (Matthew Handley), Johannesburg and its Holey Mining Heritage (Dick Stacey and Greg Heath). The recent book by Brian Protheroe entitled COMRO’s Legacy: Research and Development of Stoping Mining Machinery and Technologies. https://www.saimm.co.za/publications/saimm-book-sale

The collaboration is further evident because I and four past SAIMM Presidents https://www.saimm. co.za/about-saimm/saimm-past-presidents, (Horst Wagner, Oskar Steffen, Dick Stacey, Nielen van der Merwe) have also served as SANIRE/SANGORM Presidents and ISRM Vice Presidents for Africa. Nielen also served as the President of ISRM from 2003 to 2007, and chaired the 2003 ISRM International Congress in Johannesburg, which was organized by the SAIMM. Past Presidents Pinkie (FG) Hill and Miklos Salamon also made major contributions to the discipline. Several former Brigadier Stokes Memorial Award https://www.saimm.co.za/about-saimm/brigadier-stokes-memorial-award recipients have provided key contributions to rock engineering (Pinkie Hill, Miklos Salamon, Horst Wagner, Dennis Laubscher, and Dick Stacey).

SANIRE held its 2024 symposium https://www.sanire.co.za/ at Silverstar hotel in Muldersdrift from 2024-06-13 to 2024-06-14, which was arranged by our secretariat, and I was glad to attend. The symposium was opened by the current SANIRE President, Kevin Le Bron and the programme included several keynotes: Winning the war on falls of ground, Lerato Tsele, MCSA; Advancing rock engineering skills for a sustainable future in Mining; Thabo Mashongoane, Mining Qualifications Authority South Africa (MQA); Developments in pillar design, Bryan Watson, University of the Witwatersrand. SANIRE also announced the launch of their new education platform. There were several interesting presentations on many topics covering open pit and underground mining, developments in support practice, case studies and an interesting trial on hydraulic fracturing for preconditioning. I certainly enjoyed the conference and learned a great deal. As always, the geotechnical service and rock support suppliers came to the party, sponsoring and providing an illuminating exhibition.

During the symposium, the SANIRE Treasurer, Sifiso Mashile, informed members of the new agreement and highlighted the contribution by the SAIMM secretariat, since the secretarial service commenced. Unfortunately, recent administrative challenges had prevented the reliable collection of membership fees, creating significant cashflow challenges. This has now been resolved through Prudence’s timely intervention.

The process of organizing the next international conference on rock engineering in South Africa has commenced, so keep your eye out for announcements, starting with a call for papers. I believe that the new arrangement to provide secretarial services to SANIRE can only improve the collaboration going forward, and importantly, enabling SANIRE to maintains its identity as a leading national group of rock engineering.

W.C. Joughin
President, SAIMM