The SAIMM is a professional institute with local and international links aimed at assisting members source information about technological developments in the mining, metallurgical and related sectors.

Digital Transformation in Mining Conference

Date	25 June 2025
-	26 June 2025
Resources	Digital Transformation in Mining 2025 12122024.pdf Digital Transformation in Mining 2025 Sponsorship Prospectus 11022025.pdf Digitalization in Mining Abstracts Received 08022025.pdf


BANNER SPONSOR	EXHIBITOR	EXHIBITOR

ABOUT

Whatever terminology you wish to use, it is obvious the world of work is changing rapidly.
The Mining Industry, along the Mining Value Chain, is a part of this; seeking to take advantage of digital opportunities in the quest for competitiveness, sustainability and Zero Harm.

Mining businesses in Africa, as globally, are on this journey purposefully or by default. This event adds to purpose by being a showcase and learning experience for everyone associated with the Mining Industry. We will learn about Global Best Practices, network with global leaders in mining and other businesses, and do so in an exciting and interactive format.

Be prepared to be challenged and informed and to leave excited and better equipped for today’s digital journey.

BACKGROUND

In the world’s digital transformation journey, every day gathers more pace. Constant innovation is inevitable, now driving competitiveness among successful global companies.

What is also clear is the mining industry must understand where we are on the innovation curve. We need to develop strategies to leverage the most useful of the available initiatives.

This requires deep knowledge of the potential impact and value of digital technologies on mining and metallurgical processes. Planning at all levels of detail and the need for real time information management and operational control are all components of this journey, whether on surface or underground.
Data and information management, at the junction of virtual and real worlds, underlie efforts to stay in touch, take decisions, control and automate the industry’s processes.

WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE

Delegates will experience, within this conference:

Keynote speakers, both local and global, who are at the forefront of their technical discipline
Case studies and live stream feeds to global thought leadership
Live demonstrations of state-of-the-art technologies, systems and practices
Showcasing of digital technologies applied in real mining environments
Networking with global leaders in this area
Interactive discussions to address specific challenges
A platform to discuss where we are headed

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this conference are to showcase global thought leadership in the use of digital technologies in mining and other industries, to understand the ‘art of the possible’, and to gain understanding of how advances in these technologies are being transferred into our industry.
Success for the Mining Industry lies in Collaboration, Open Innovation, and Knowledge Sharing. This event provides a timely and appropriate platform from which to engage and make an impact.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

Delegates will learn where global best practice exists. Even better, how to transfer these practices into local operations. They will also learn how the challenges of change management have been addressed, and how people can be taken along this journey.
Presentations will inform on data collection, screening, transmission and analysis. The objective is real time decision making at the right level in the organization for proactive control before things go wrong.

Keynote speakers

Sietse van der Woude,
Senior Executive: Modernisation and Safety, Minerals Council, South Africa

Sietse has a Master's degree in radiation physics. As Manager at the National Nuclear Regulator, he was responsible for the establishment of a regulatory framework for radiation protection in mining. He did his MBA with a focus on integrating sustainability issues into the strategy of businesses. He then joined Xstrata as a manager responsible for safety, health, environment, and quality.

In 2004 he was appointed as the Head of Safety and Sustainable Development in the Mineral Council (formerly Chamber of Mines) where he enjoyed being part of the mining industry's safety and health enhancement initiatives.

Since 2015 he serves as the Senior Executive: Modernisation and Safety and his purpose remains to help facilitate a people-centric modernisation of the mining industry.

Outside of work, Sietse always looks for opportunities to make a difference. Sietse also loves spending time with his 10-year-old son, Simo a name that is derived from the Isizulu word meaning ‘Miracle’.

Submit an Abstract

Abstract submissions are now open!

The Digital Transformation in Mining Organising Committee is inviting you to submit an abstract for presentation at the Digital Transformation in Mining 2025 conference.

Why submit an abstract?

Enhance your professional image
Draw attention to the accomplishments of your company.
Provide the industry with your case studies, knowledge, and experience.
Inform colleagues, policymakers, and researchers about your progress.
Provide fresh chances for cooperation for the benefit of the sector.

Submission process

Abstracts will be subject to peer review, the committee will decide whether to accept or decline the submissions. Relevance to the conference theme, accuracy and uniqueness of ideas, contribution significance, and presentation quality are among the selection factors. Download abstract submission template

Authors will be notified in writing of the acceptance of their abstract. Once accepted the author can submit a full paper for review. Download paper guidelines

Please note

All accepted abstracts will be published in the conference proceedings and presented during technical sessions
All presenting authors are required to register, pay the author registration fee and attend the conference.

Key Dates

31 January 2025 Abstract Submission
10 March 2025 Submission of Papers

Please email abstracts to Gugu Charlie: Conferences and Events Coordinator, SAIMM at gugu@saimm.co.za

REGISTRATION FEES

Early bird registration valid until 25 March 2025

Early SAIMM/SAGA/GSSA Member	R9 200
Early Non SAIMM/SAGA/GSSA Member	R9 900
SAIMM/SAGA/GSSA Member	R9 900
Non SAIMM/SAGA/GSSA Member	R10 500
Author Registration	R5 500
Students	R1 600
Regional Academics	R5 500
Retired Member	R1 600

Kindly note, registration closes on 23 June 2025. Please note late registrations will incur a R500 administration fee for registrations received after the closing date.

Accommodation

Accommodation at the Glenburn Lodge is available as follows:
Garden Suite @ R1780 per single, per night, B&B
2-bedroom or 3-bedroom chalet @ R1430 per person single in a room, but sharing a house, B&B
(all the rooms have to be occupied to qualify for the rate)

To book, please contact below:
Lelanie Tester
reservations@glenburn.co.za l bushwillow@glenburn.co.za
011 668 1600/1629

Delegates must mention that they are attending the SAIMM conference

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