The optimism and enthusiasm at this year’s Investing in African Mining Indaba highlighted a significant shift in the mining industry. Stakeholders are actively embracing the challenges and complexities that have arisen from geopolitical tension, evolving battery technology, climate change, and skills shortages.
“The complexity of mining has been rising, driven by a range of factors from geopolitical tension and fast-changing battery technology, to climate change and skills shortages. Topics discussed at the Indaba, however, indicate that positive disruption is underway to build a path forward.”
Ralf Hennecke – Managing Director of Omnia group company BME
Presentations and discussions at the Indaba underscored the importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, responsible mining, company-community engagement, and the just energy transition. Presentations illustrated the strengthening of the mining ecosystem across Africa, as supply partners establish themselves in regions where their customers are active. This collaboration rejuvenates African countries by introducing valuable services, infrastructure, and expertise.
Hennecke emphasised the evolving partnerships between companies like BME and their customers, tackling critical priorities such as operational efficiency, business continuity, and people development.
“The evolution of mining in Africa has seen closer partnerships between companies like BME and their customers – to tackle key priorities. Blue chip miners at the Indaba have reiterated their focus on critical areas like operational efficiency, business continuity and people development in the sector.”
Ralf Hennecke – Managing Director of Omnia group company BME
During a panel discussion in the Indaba’s Young Leaders session on ‘New knowledge, new mining: the research and technology that drives innovation’, Nishen Hariparsad, BME’s General Manager of Technology and Marketing, highlighted the impact of talent shortages on the mining industry. Over 70% of mining leaders reported that these shortages hindered their ability to meet production targets and strategic objectives. Hariparsad stressed the need to reposition the sector to attract young talent.
“The Indaba’s focus on positive disruption applies to the question of attracting and retaining expertise. As a sector, we need to showcase the great strides being made in developing and applying digital technology in the mining space.”
Nishen Hariparsad – BME General Manager Technology and Marketing
To address this challenge, Hariparsad stressed that the mining industry must showcase the advancements made in digital technology and its application in mining. However, mining companies increasingly rely on technology providers like BME to develop tools for efficient and responsible mining. BME recognises the opportunities available for young professionals in fields like data science and software development. This is why, in the blasting field, BME is pioneering safety, productivity, and sustainability solutions for mines.
“A key way that mines are positively disrupting traditional mining practice is to collaborate with partners to release value through the supply chain. This includes doing more with the data that we generate, and empowering personnel to drive efficiencies and safety on mines.”
Nishen Hariparsad – BME General Manager Technology and Marketing
Collaboration throughout the supply chain is a key driver of positive disruption in the mining industry. Mines are leveraging partnerships to unlock value, leveraging data for greater insights, and empowering personnel to drive efficiency and safety.
Join BME in shaping the future of sustainable mining.
Click here to read the original article, posted on Mining News Botswana.
