THE 11TH WORLD CONFERENCE OF SAMPLING AND BLENDING

Who should attend

•  Representatives from all professions in which sampling plays a role before analysis and decision-making.
• Geologists, metallurgists, mineral processing engineers and technicians, geometallurgists
• Mine managers, process managers and superintendents, general managers, technical managers – and economists, contract, and legal personnel
• Competent Persons responsible for metal accounting, reconciliation, Reserve and Resource declaration
• Quality assurers, quality controllers, quality managers from all sectors in technology, process, and manufacturing industries
• Front-line sampling operators and technicians
• Laboratory managers, supervisors, and technical personnel
• Sampling system design engineers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)
• Engineering or project houses
• Sampling-related ISO committee members and other individuals Involved in producing norm-giving guidelines a.o.
• Mineral and commodity buyers, sellers, and mineral traders
• TIC (Testing, Inspection, Certification) companies
• Participation in WCSB11 is also available as a streaming option for those unable to attend in person. 

Call for Papers

Prospective authors are invited to submit titles and abstracts of their papers, in English. The abstracts should be no longer than 500 words and should be submitted to: Camielah Jardine, Head of Conferences, camielah@saimm.co.za

The following are important dates for the submission of abstracts, acceptance of abstracts, submission of papers, the peer review process, and submission of final papers for the proceedings of the WCSB11 conference. Authors wishing to present papers at WCSB11 are invited to:

• Author deadline for submission of abstracts - 11 September 2023
• Acceptance of abstracts - 29 September 2023
• Author submission of papers - 15 January 2023

Papers accepted for the conference will be subject to peer review and the date for final paper submission is 18th December 2023. Papers will be published as proceedings of WCSB11 in the convenient and readily available electronic format, to be distributed in Dropbox with a link provided to delegates 2-3 days before the conference.

Abstract and paper guidelines

• Guidelines for Authors SAIMM Conference Proceedings and SAIMM Journal (.doc file)
• SAIMM Abstract Template (.docx file)

Short Courses

The following short courses will take place on 20 May 2024.

SENSOR-BASED ORE SORTING AND SAMPLING - Dr Christopher Robben
Course Fee: R3 500
Students R900
Full Day Short Course
Register Here

INTRODUCTION TO THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF SAMPLING (TOS) IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, INDUSTRY COMMERCE AND SOCIETY - Kim H. Esbensen
Course Fee: R3 500
Students R900
Full Day Short Course
Register Here

SAMPLING THEORY, SAMPLING PRACTICES AND THEIR ECONOMIC IMPACT – Dr. Francis F. Pitard and Dr. Dominique Francois-Bongarcon
Course Fee: R7 000
Students R1 750
Two Days Short Course
This short course will take place on 19-20 May 2024

Programme

Download the Programme...

Keynote Speakers

Rodolfo J Romañach
Professor of Chemistry University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez

Dr. Romañach is Professor of Chemistry at the University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez Campus. He is also Chair of the Faculty of NIPTE (The National Institute for Pharmaceutical Technology and Education (NIPTE.org).

Dr. Romañach is focused on developing analytical methods capable of monitoring manufacturing processes in situ as they occur and providing this information to engineers for process optimization. His goal is to embed Quality Control in the production environment to provide real time measurements that may be used to control and improve a process. This systematic approach has been called Process Analytical Technology (PAT).

Dr. Romañach has studied the Theory of Sampling and adapted its principles to pharmaceutical processes, recognizing that Quality Control depends on how samples are obtained from a process. He seeks to develop sampling procedures where all parts of a lot or batch have the same opportunity of being selected as a sample.

He worked in the pharmaceutical industry for over 12 years before joining the Chemistry Department at the Mayagüez campus in 1999.

Claudia Paoletti
Programme Manager, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)

Claudia Paoletti did her Master in Biological Science at the University of Rome (Italy) and her Ph.D. in Plant Genetics at the University of Connecticut, USA. She was for three years postdoctoral researcher at Dalhousie University (Canada) studying plant population genetics and biometry. She continued her activity at the Research Institute for Industrial Crops in Bologna (Italy) where she focused on the evaluation of the risks of transgenic crops. In January 2006 she joined the GMO Unit of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) first as Team Leader and then as Deputy Head of the Unit. In 2019 she was appointed manager of the program designed to reorganize all EFSA processes in preparation of the new European Law on food safety that came into force in March 2021. Currently she manages the EFSA programme designed to innovate risk assessment methodologies in all sectors of food and feed safety within the Authority remit. She has been the Italian expert for the definition of the European Commission sampling standard for GMO detection in conventional seeds. She was the technical expert responsible for the definition of the EU grain standard sampling procedures that resulted in EU Rec. 787/2004, in support to EC Reg. 1830/2003. She coordinated the European sampling research projects KeLDA to assess the contaminations of large soybean kernel lots coming into the EU, and she has been the biometric officer of the EU Community Reference Laboratory for GMOs. She chaired the European Network of GMOs Laboratories (ENGL) Sampling Working Group established by EU MSs to develop reliable and sustainable methodologies to collect representative data for decisions on regulated food/feed products. She is expert consultant for ISO/IWA committees, OECD, CEN, the European Commission and FAO. She organised international training courses on food/feed safety for the European Commission, UNIDO, PHARE project and universities within and outside Europe. Since 2019 she is member of Georgofili Academia. She has over 90 contributions either as book chapters, or as peer-reviewed papers.

Ana Carolina Chieregati
Professor, University of Sao Paulo

Ana Carolina is a Mining Engineer, has a MSc and PhD in Mineral Engineering from the University of Sao Paulo and a post-doctorate in sampling from the University of Aalborg, Denmark. Since 2002 she is a professor of the Department of Mining and Petroleum Engineering of the University of Sao Paulo and responsible for the disciplines of Mineral Exploration, Sampling, Quality Control and Reconciliation. With 18 years of experience in sampling and reconciliation, she has taught in Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Australia, published several technical papers and book chapters, and participated in several projects in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Honduras, EUA, Mexico, and Mongolia, related to mine reconciliation and the optimization of sampling procedures in gold, iron, zinc, copper, lead, nickel, niobium, phosphate, tin, vanadium, rare earths, and bauxite mines.

Jean-Sébastien Dubé
Professor, École de technologie supérieure

Since 2001, J-S Dubé is Professor of Construction Engineering at the École de technologie supérieure in Montréal, Québec, Canada. Professor Dubé holds a Bachelor degree of civil engineering from McGill University as well as Master and PhD degrees in geoenvironmental engineering from Laval University and INSA-Lyon. His research interests include the characterization and remediation of contaminated sites, with a specific focus on contaminated soil sampling. Professor Dubé published several papers on the subject of TOS and soil sampling representativeness amongst more than 80 peer-reviewed contributions. He works with consulting firms and government agencies on improving site assessment and soil sampling guidelines. He also works on soil characterization using artificial intelligence as well as on contaminated site remediation.

Stéphane Brochot,
Comanaging Director, CASPEO

Dr. Brochot obtained his doctorate (PhD) in physics, completed with a degree in mathematical engineering and computer processing techniques. He joined BRGM in 1991 as head of the software development and researcher. In 1999, he is Product Manager of the process analysis software range for the design and optimisation of solids processing plants. Since 2004, Dr Brochot is the scientific and technical manager of Caspeo. He oversees the R&D activity of the company. He is continuing his research on mineral processing modelling and simulation, sampling, data reconciliation and metal accounting. He was developing an expertise in sampling which has been used for several mining companies and other industries requiring sampling of solids.

Oscar Dominguez Gonzalez,
Lead Quality Management – Resource Centre of Excellence BHP

Geologist, MBA, and Geo-Mining-Metallurgical Specialisation, Vice President of the World Sampling Council: The International Pierre Gy Sampling Association (IPGSA), and Lead Quality Management at the BHP Resource Centre of Excellence.

25 years of international and multi-commodities experience in the mining industry, in different technical and leadership roles, ~18 years working on Sampling and the implementation Quality Management (QAQC) programs across the full value chain. Author of several international publications, and keynote speaker and presenter at World Sampling Conferences around the world.

Currently, working at the Resource Centre of Excellence in BHP, providing global technical support on Sampling & Quality Management in all the assets around the world in BHP, and across the full value chain: Mine to Port and Marketing.

Sponsorship and Exhibition

DOWNLOAD THE AVAILABLE SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES

Organising Committee

• Richard Minnitt
• Terance Nkosi
• Sandra Ratsoma
• Willem Slabbert
• Mariska Reyneke
• Letisha Smal
• Kim Esbensen
• Martin Lischka
• Christopher Robben

Scientific Committee

SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE WCSB11                                            
12/06/2023

This committee is responsible for vetting and reviewing both the Abstracts and the Papers submitted for WSCB11.

The Committee Includes:

Roger Brewer
Stefan Brochot
Trevor Bruce
Ana Carolina Chieregati
Philippe Davin
Oscar Dominquez
Simon Dominy
Karin Engström
Kim Esbensen
Dominique François-Bongarçon
Michael Hidding
Ralph Holmes
Li Huachang
Martin Lischka
Pentti Minkkinen
Richard Minnitt
Claudia Paoletti
Bert Pauels
Francis Pitard
Rodolfo Romanch
Elke Thisted
Sheryl Tittlemier
Aldwin Vogel

Previous Conference Proceedings

• https://wcsb10.com/recordings-of-the-wcsb10/
• https://intsamp.org/proceedings/

Conference venue & Accommodation

• Date: 21 -23 May 2024
• Rate Code: MMI (Single B&B @ R1 632)
• Rate Code: MMS (Sharing B&B @ R1 024)

To book Contact

JACQUELINE DUPONT
G & C Manager | Recreation Africa Leisure Industries | 

E Mail Jacqueline.Dupont@rali.co.za | Tel 011 950 6143  | 
Muldersdrift Estate, 69 Drift Boulevard (R114), Muldersdrift, 1747 | www.mistyhills.co.za

If it's service excellence with an authentic African twist that you are after, then Misty Hills Country Hotel, Conference Centre & Spa welcomes you.

Nestled in the foothills of the Swartkop mountains on the threshold of the beautiful Kromdraai Valley in Muldersdrift, Misty Hills is one of the most popular hotel and conference venues in Gauteng.

This charming stone-built hotel, embodies the ethos of Africa. Set in more than 60 acres of lush botanical gardens, Misty Hills is the ideal venue for functions, conferences, exhibitions, product launches, team building, getaways and events.

Experience the splendour of rich African hospitality in the heart of Gauteng. Each of our 195 stone-built thatched rooms and suites is furnished to complement the indigenous South African surroundings and lavishly decorated with brightly coloured African fabrics, artworks and handmade furniture. 

Accommodation

Built in “village style”, amid water features and showcasing authentic African artworks, each room is equipped with satellite television, a telephone and tea and coffee making facilities. The rooms consist of a comfortable bedroom (with Twin or Double Beds), an en-suite bathroom with a bath and shower. Wheelchair friendly rooms available.

LEISURE ACTIVITIES

Visiting South Africa

Muldersdrift is a wonderful place to stay whilst in Johannesburg, particularly if your needs are to the north of the city. Your evenings are peaceful and tranquil yet your access to Fourways, Sandton, Randburg and even Pretoria is easy, and Lanseria airport is a mere 15 minutes away. There is beauty in the grasslands and natural indigenous vegetation in Muldersdrift, which lies in the heart of the Kromdraai Valley home to the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage site.

Visit the Wondercave, one of the show caves of the heritage site and the third largest cave in South Africa. It may consist only of a single chamber, but it’s huge - large enough to hold a rugby field - and visitors descend some 40 metres via an open lift from the surface, or you can abseil down. One can view some incredible formations that include cave pearls and pools, whilst stalagmites are up to 15 metres high. An added highlight to your trip could be the little observatory near Wondercave where astronomer Bill Hollenbach gives talks and shows about comets, meteors and perilous asteroids.

Not as obvious as the Sterkfontein caves and the discovery of Mrs Ples, there is a private nature reserve, the Cradle, that lies within the larger Cradle of Humankind. Explore indigenous forests and streams; and scour grassland for antelope, giraffe and zebras.

Peak seasons
South Africa is generally busiest during the summer months of November - March. Local summer school holidays fall during December and January and at this time local seaside resorts are particularly busy with families and children. Other busy holiday periods are over Easter and during the local June/July school holiday period. For visitors preferring a cooler temperature, fewer tourists and less crowds in general its worth considering visiting in the off-peak months of April/May or September/October You may also be able to take advantage of seasonal discounts at these times.

Seasons & weather
The seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are directly opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer is generally mid-October to mid-February, Autumn is February to April, Winter is May to July and Spring falls between August and October.

Summers are generally hot and lightweight clothing is advisable although evenings can be cool. Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses are a must and remember that sunburn can occur even in overcast weather. In the interior afternoon showers are common during the summer months, while in Cape Town four seasons can be experienced in one day so it is best to be prepared. The winter months are cold, particularly in the interior - warm clothing and raincoats are required.

Getting to South Africa
Johannesburg International Airport is the major international airport in South Africa receiving flights from all five continents. There are also direct international flights to Cape Town International. Flights from the UK and Europe are usually overnight with a flight from London to Johannesburg or Cape Town taking approximately 12-hours. Direct flights between the USA and Johannesburg are approximately 15-hours. South Africa has an excellent network of domestic carriers offering flights to all major city centres throughout South Africa. A flight between Johannesburg and Cape Town is 2-hours.

Travelling around South Africa
South Africa is a vast country and areas of interest are widespread. It is often best to consider combining both flying and driving to make the most of your time. As a rule, public transport is not reliable and it is advisable to hire a car to get around cities and attractions. If you would rather not drive long distances, consider one of the local bus companies such as Intercape or Greyhound - tickets can be booked at Computicket. The Baz Bus is an affordable hop-on-hop-off option for backpackers. Alternatively, join an organised tour to suit your interests and your schedule.

Time differences
South Africa is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time throughout the year. It is therefore an hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Winter Time and seven hours behind Australian Central Time.

Passports & visas
Travelling to South Africa is fairly easy and hassle-free. All foreign nationals must be in possession of a valid passport - and in some instances a visa is required. Travellers from Europe, most Commonwealth countries, the USA, Scandinavia and Japan do not need to apply for a visa for vacation purposes. A free entry permit for a period of up to 90-days will be issued on arrival. For visitors wishing to stay longer, an official visa needs to be applied for.

Tax
Value-added-tax (VAT) is charged on most items. Foreign tourists to South Africa can have their 15% VAT refunded provided that the value of the items purchased exceeds R250.00. VAT is refunded at the point of departure and receipts from purchases must be kept and produced.

Currency & banks
The South African currency unit is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R. One hundred cents makes up one R1 (one Rand). Currently the Rand is weaker than many European currencies as well as the dollar, making travelling to South Africa affordable by international standards. Visitors will more than likely find eating out and shopping particularly affordable and of an excellent quality. Foreign currency can be exchanged at local banks and Bureaux de Change. Credit cards are widely accepted including American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 9:00-15:30 and on Saturdays from 8:30 - 11:00.

Post offices
Post Offices are generally open Monday to Friday from 8:30-16:30 and on Saturdays from 8:00 -12:00.

Shopping
Most major shopping centres and malls are open 7 days a week from 09:00 to 17:00. In some cases, Sunday shopping hours are from 09:00 - 14:00 and in some smaller towns shops are closed on a Sunday.

Petrol/Gas stations
Petrol or gas stations are widespread throughout South Africa and many are open 24-hours. However, if you are planning a long distance trip through a remote area, ensure that your tank is full to avoid running low. A petrol attendant will fill your tank for you and will often wash your windscreen. Petrol stations do not accept credit cards and petrol must be paid for in cash or with a local petrol card.

Tipping
As a rule South African restaurants do not include a service charge in the total bill. It is customary to leave a 10% tip for good service, or more for excellent service. At petrol station, petrol attendants will fill your tank for you and will offer to wash your windscreen - a tip of whatever small change you have available is appreciated (R1 or R2). In many areas parking attendants will offer to assist you in parking your car and watching over it while you are away - again, a tip of R2 or so is appreciated.

Driving
A valid driver's permit is required to rent a car in South Africa and all drivers must carry a valid driver's licence at all times of driving. The wearing of seatbelts is compulsory and driving while talking on a mobile phone is illegal - a hands free kit must be used. Drinking and driving is strictly prohibited and strict fines apply. The permissible limit for alcohol consumption is about one glass of wine for the average woman and perhaps 1.5 or two for the average or large man. Speed limits are 120kmph on the open road, 100kmph on smaller roads and between 60 and 80kmph in towns and residential areas. Road signs will indicate the speed limit. Speeding is strictly enforced with cameras and fines are high. Bear in mind the following language differences in South Africa - South Africans put petrol in their cars, not gasoline. Trunks are referred to as boots, while hoods are called bonnets.

Road safety
South Africa has an excellent infrastructure of good quality roads, however the country is large and travelling distances can be long. If you are planning a self-drive holiday, make sure that you allow yourself ample time to reach destinations and make provisions for stop-overs en-route. One of the biggest causes of road accidents on long-distances is fatigue and loss of concentration.

In general, try to avoid driving in unfamiliar areas after dark and in rural areas be aware of cattle or other animals such as buck wandering into the road. Do not stop in remote areas after dark and always park in well-lit, designated parking areas.

Health & medical care
South Africa has excellent health services and doctors with some of the best training in the world. There are adequate hospitals and medical care facilities throughout the country. However, visitors should ensure that they have sufficient funds or medical insurance to cover the fees of private facilities.

As a rule, the tap water in South Africa is safe to drink as all water has been treated. Hygiene and food preparation are of excellent standards and fresh fruit and vegetables are safe to eat.

Malaria is found only in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo and on the Maputaland coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Malaria is at low risk in the winter months. It is only possible to contract malaria by being bitten by an infected mosquito - however, when visiting these areas it is advisable to take the necessary safety and medical precautions. Use mosquito nets and an insect repellent to avoid being bitten. In addition, medication can be taken and should be taken according to the instructions given. Medication should be taken starting two weeks before entering the malaria zone and for four weeks after leaving the area. Consult with your doctor beforehand and note that malaria medication should not be taken during pregnancy.

Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required when visiting South Africa and immunisation against cholera and small pox are not required. However, if you are entering South Africa from a yellow fever zone, you must be in possession of a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate. Infants under the age of one year are exempt.

Personal safety
As in any foreign country, visitors are advised to be aware and alert when travelling to avoid falling prey to petty theft and crime. Most areas and attractions of South Africa can be safely visited. However, use common sense, be discreet with expensive camera equipment and jewellery and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking in deserted areas after dark and when driving, always park in a well-lit and designated parking area. In you have any doubts, speak to your hosts and ask for their advice on potential areas to avoid.

Disabled facilities
This is an area in which South Africa needs to improve on. Generally speaking many accommodation providers have wheelchair ramps and bathroom facilities for the disabled. Most public buildings cater for wheelchair access and most sports stadiums have areas accessible to wheelchairs. National parks usually have at least one wheelchair accessible chalet or room.

Electricity
South Africa's electricity supply: 220/230 volts AC 50 Hz
Exceptions: Pretoria (230 V) and Port Elizabeth (200/250 V)
Most plugs have three round pins but some plugs with two smaller pins are also found on appliances. Adaptors can be purchased but may be in short supply. US-made appliances may need a transformer.

Language
South Africa has 11 official languages one of them being English. The majority of the population is able to speak and understand English even if it is not their first language. South Africans use a lot of local 'slang' - some of those you are more than likely to come into contact with are listed below:

• Howzit - A traditional South African greeting meaning "How are you?" or "How are things?"
• Boet - "Boet" is the Afrikaans word for "brother" and is often used as a term of affection between male friends.
• Café - the local corner shop selling milk, bread, newspaper and cigarettes etc
• Just now - If a South African tells you they will do something "just now", they mean they'll do it in the near future - not immediately.
• Lekker - An Afrikaans word meaning nice. It is often used in association with food, as in: "That meal was lekker."
• Now now - This is not intended to comfort but means shortly, as in: "I will be there now now."
• Rooibos - A popular South African tea made in the Cape. Rooibos is an Afrikaans word meaning "red bush". When people speak of rooibos they are referring to rooibos tea.
• Braai - the South African equivalent of a barbeque where meat is cooked over an open fire. A popular weekend and social pastime.
• Boerewors/Wors - a type of spicy sausage made from beef or lamb. Generally it is quite thick and is cooked on a braai.

Travel

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CONTACT DETAILS

Phone : +27 (0)12 346 0899
Voip Phone : +27 (0)87 095 9915

WhatsAPP : +27 82 748 8853
Fax : +27 (0)866 611 707
Email : info@ezshuttle.co.za

Recommended Travel Agent

Lerato Mokoma
Travel Consultant
Tel: 011 622 3840  
lerato@dynamictravel.co.za

www.dynamictravel.co.za

Recommended Transfer Services

Registration Fees

IN PERSON:

ONLINE FEES:

SHORT COURSES:

The following short courses will take place on 20 May 2024.

• SENSOR-BASED ORE SORTING AND SAMPLING - Dr Christopher Robben
• INTRODUCTION TO THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF SAMPLING (TOS) IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, INDUSTRY COMMERCE AND SOCIETY - Kim H. Esbensen

R3 500 per course
Students R900 per course

The following short course will take place on 19-20 May 2024

SAMPLING THEORY, SAMPLING PRACTICES AND THEIR ECONOMIC IMPACT – Dr. Francis F. Pitard and Dr. Dominique Francois-Bongarcon

R7 000
Students R1 750

TECHNICAL VISITS 24 MAY 2024

• Rand Refinery – R800
• Multotec – R800

Call for Posters

Please submit an abstract for your poster by 1 March 2024.
Download the poster guidelines...

Technical Visits

The following technical visits will run concurrently, please select one option when registering.
Cost: R800.00

RAND REFINERY - TECHNICAL VISIT:  (Download PDF)
Register here...

MULTOTEC - WHERE THE THEORY OF SAMPLING COMES TO LIFE (Download PDF)
Register here...

Contact

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Camielah Jardine,
Head of Conferencing
E-mail: camielah@saimm.co.za
Tel: +27 11 538-0238 Web: www.saimm.co.za