The director of the Mandela Mining Precinct (MMP), Johan le Roux, says the strategy is focused on the modernisation of mining, longevity of current mines, and mechanised mining systems. Other focal points include advanced orebody knowledge, real-time information management systems and the successful application of people-centered technology.

The South African Mining Extraction Research Development and Innovation (SAMERDI) strategy is a result of the Phakisa process that the government launched in October 2015 to explore various avenues to salvage South Africa’s mining sector.

ALSO READ: SA government trying to salvage mining industry: Zuma

Le Roux explains that the SAMERDI strategy will establish a test mine that collaborators will use for testing, product development and demonstration. He adds that they will establish centres at various universities to research each of the key focal points.

“At these centres, we will also develop and get involved with  a number of young postgraduate students,” says Le Roux. “Students from previously disadvantaged universities are also included in that process. So, at the SAMERDI research centres, the focus will mainly be on early-stage research.”

WITS University launched its two research centres at the end of September. The Universities of Johannesburg and the Free State have yet to launch theirs.

OFM News/Bambatha Giko