- Workshop highlights include a keynote address Neal Froneman, on Sibanye-Stillwater's view of Mining in the Digital Age, and talks by Professor Ian Jandrell, Dean of Wits University’s Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, and Alex Fenn, Head of Technology and Innovation at Sibanye-Stillwater. There will also be a visit to the DigiMine laboratory, demonstrating the process within the laboratory as well as highlighting key best practice technology and systems. Selected postgraduate research students and technology partners will present their work and demonstrate their solutions – highlighting the unique and symbiotic relationship between the DigiMine's research agenda and industry in general. There will be additional case studies on best practice systems as well as opportunities for the delegates to participate in various simulated environments as individuals and groups.
The Wits Mining Institute’s Digital Mining Laboratory (Digimine) will be hosting their must-attend seminar on digital mining technology on 8-10 December 2020 at the University of Witwatersrand Club. The seminar sheds light on digital technology trends within the mining industry and will be headlined by a keynote address from Sibanye-Stillwater’s CEO, Neal Froneman.
“The seminar is for anyone interested in digital mining in the underground environment,” said WMI director Professor Fred Cawood. “We will showcase our laboratory and present the laboratory’s research outcomes on developing digital technologies for mining applications.”
Professor Cawood said delegates will learn about the research and case studies developed in recent years by the DigiMine, the WMI and its partners will present their leading practice digital systems. The keynote address, which will focus on Sibanye-Stillwater’s view of mining in the digital age, will be followed by a range of informative and interactive sessions highlighting technological systems for the mining industry.
“It is a unique event that provides delegates with access to information on advanced fundamental and applied research, and demonstrates the value of application through real word case studies,” says Alex Fenn, Sibanye-Stillwater’s group head of innovation. “The seminar is unique in the sense that it truly bridges the gap between industry and academia, a much-needed connection given the times.”
Attendees will gain first-hand insights into how these have been applied to solve 21st century mining problems. Participants can choose to attend the seminar for a certificate of attendance by attending all the days, or for a certificate of competence by successfully completing the class work and assessment. The seminar is a Wits University-accredited short course and is registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) – giving participants 7.2 Continuous Professional Development (CPD) points.
