Sampling and Metal Accounting Course

Learning Objectives

1. Fundamentals and Importance:
a. Gain a foundational understanding of measurement, sampling and analysis processes required for metal accounting and their relevance in mining operations from exploration to closure.
b. Recognize the diverse audience of stakeholders including site management, regulatory bodies,
and technology providers, and understand their specific needs and expectations.

2. Industry Standards and Best Practices:
a. Familiarisation with the AMIRA P754 Code principles, requirements and methods used to assess Metal Accounting practices as well as methods of evaluating measurement systems used in mineral and metal processing plants.
b. Explore the principles, requirements, and methods used to evaluate and enhance metal accounting and associated measurement systems.

3. Technical Mastery in Sampling and Metal Accounting:
a. Identify current Metal Accounting practices, with an emphasis on correct Sampling and reliable Analytical methods, Laboratory quality assurance and quality control, Mass measurement, Bias and Error management, Data management, Reconciliation, and Reporting.
b. Learn about Metal Accounting specifics, including measurement, data management, and reconciliation to ensure I am using the convention that a reliable measurements are both unbiased and precise, This objective should rather read... to ensure accurate estimation of metal contents in the materials that are processed within and along the different stages of the mining value chain analysis.

4. Operational Improvements and System Enhancements:
a. Develop strategies to enhance Metal Accounting practices, incorporating Sampling and Analysis techniques, for standardisation at process plants and laboratories.
b. Apply knowledge to enhance system integration with plant performance systems and broader business operations.

5. Digital Transformation and Future Trends:
a. Understand the integration of digital tools that automate metal accounting processes, improve data reliability, and support compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
b. Discuss future trends in metal accounting, including the impact of new technologies, the circular economy, and sustainability initiatives.

6. Application and Continuous Improvement:
a. Use metal accounting principles throughout all stages of metal supply chain development, from material extraction to final product delivery and sales.
b. Engage in an ongoing learning cycle that includes defining, measuring, analysing, improving, and controlling metal accounting processes to adapt to evolving industry challenges.

Course Outline

Day 1 - Understanding Fundamentals and Emphasising Industry Standards

Morning Session

Session 1: Introduction to Metal Accounting and Sampling
Overview of metal accounting in the mining life cycle and full value-chain.
Importance and impact on mining operations, compliance, and financial reporting.
Session 2: Industry Standards and Best Practices
Deep dive into AMIRA P754 Code and other relevant standards.
Discussion on the requirements, principles, and evaluation methods for metal accounting
systems.

Afternoon Session

Session 3: Technical Mastery in Sampling and Assaying Techniques
Techniques to understand and improve sampling and analytical errors and analysis processes.
Practical exercises on selecting and applying the right sampling methods.
Session 4: Mastering Metal Accounting Specifics
Detailed analysis of metal accounting measurement systems, data management, and reconciliation processes.
Case studies on enhancing reliability of (meaning precise and unbiased) in metal accounting.

Day 2 - Operational Improvements, Digital Transformation, and Future Trends

Morning Session

Session 5: Enhancements and Operational Improvements
Evaluating and identifying improvement opportunities in existing metal accounting systems. {This includes internal and external audits}. in existing systems.
Planning and designing metal accounting systems for new projects.

Session 6: Digital Tools and Future Trends
Integration of digital tools and their benefits.
Discussion on future trends such as sustainability and the circular economy in metal accounting.

Afternoon Session

Session 7: Continuous Improvement and Practical Application
Implementing continuous improvement cycles in metal accounting.
Workshop on applying principles to real-world scenarios and engaging with ongoing learning cycles.

Presenter and Authors

Adolph Kleynhans - Presenter and Author
B.Eng Chemical Engineering
North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus)

Adolph is a Chemical Engineer with close to a decade’s experience in designing, implementing and continuously improving metal accounting solutions. Co-founding the company MMS, which specialises in metal accounting software, has demanded a deep knowledge of the AMIRA P754 code and other industry standards for best practices in managing sensitive organisational data. During this tenure he has done gap analysis and metal accounting audits at more than 15 mining sites ranging from hydrometallurgy to pyrometallurgy on various commodities including copper, cobalt, gold, platinum, rutile, uranium and molybdenum.

His deep knowledge of metal accounting has afforded him the opportunity to be a co-author and presenter of the MPTech (a company of the University of Cape Town) metal accounting training course and a consultant for SGS Global Mining Services, assisting with Metal Accounting Audits.

Adolph is a mining and technology enthusiast balancing between maintaining the principles of industry best practices, while challenging the industry with innovative technology solutions to solve modern metal accounting challenges and optimise the mining value-chain. He hopes to inspire younger generations and peers to invest in sustainable & digital mining for the future.

Thomas Glück - Co-Author
Ph.D. Chemical Engineering, University of Witwatersrand
Pr. Eng, Engineering Council of South Africa, 1985 (No. 850236)
Fellow SAIMM, 1986
Fellow SAIChe, 1985
Member SME, 2012

Dr. Thomas Glück is a seasoned professional in operations and development with a career spanning over 40 years, dedicated to enhancing operational efficiency and innovation in the metal processing industry. His expertise notably extends to the critical areas of sampling, analysis, and metal accounting standards for mineral processing plants, underscored by his involvement in AMIRA’s Metal Accounting project. This participation emphasises his commitment to advancing best practices and methodologies in metal accounting, closely aligning with the standards set forth in AMIRA P754. His extensive experience includes designing and executing operational sampling and analysis audits, highlighting his proficiency in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of metal assessments.

Dr. Glück has held influential roles in esteemed organisations such as Hatch Ltd and Euro Manganese Inc, leading teams in the development, commissioning, and improvement of mineral, chemical, and hydrometallurgical process plants. As a prolific author with publications in hydrometallurgy and contributions to professional journals and conferences, he is recognized as a leading authority in metal processing and recovery technologies. With a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand and a certified Six Sigma Green Belt, Dr. Glück combines academic rigour with prac.

registration fees

Early bird discount valid until 26 June 2024.
Kindly note, registration closes on 26 August 2024. Please note late registrations will incur a R500 administration fee for registrations received after the closing date.