The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) Johannesburg branch held its monthly technical presentation at Worley Parsons in Johannesburg last Thursday, 17 November 2016. SAIMM Johannesburg branch chairman John Arthur Luckmann in a few words explained the purpose of presentation entitled “Against the Odds, The Remarkable Story of Champagne” and what is the synergy between the champagne grapevine root system and underground mining systems.

The presenter depicted the grapevine structure and its main function which is to absorb water and mineral nutrients from underground soil and rocks and bring them to the surface part of the grapevine tree. He continued to describe the function of two subsystems, the  first  part of the vascular system called Xylem is transporting water and dissolved nutrients absorbed by the grapevine roots to the rest of the vine tree on surface - compared to the mining infrastructure and mining process.

The second part of the vascular system called Phloem whose main function is transporting from leaves to other parts of vine products of photosynthesis. Luckmann compared the Phloem system (surface part of grape tree) to the metallurgical process where the Run of Mines (ROM) mineral is liberated from waste.

He also mentions that both systems Xylem and Phloem are in an environment-friendly manner performing their functions in impeccable harmony with nature. Store  carbohydrates and nutrients in reserve for future use as needed without any waste.

The presenter indicated that the champagne grapevine growing organism produces hormones that control all the plant functions and this can be compared with mine management system. His final comment on comparing mining processes with sparkling wine (Champagne) growing system is recommendation for miners to observe surrounding nature more prudently.

Several questions were posed to the presenter about the synergies between grapevine roots system and mining processes. Following the question and answer session, an annual rewards for outstanding service to the SAIMM Johannesburg Branch were handed by John Luckmann Johannesburg Branch Chairman and Prof Mike Solomon from UCT to Jacqui E’Silva SAIMM Branch Administrator and Donovan Munro Manager at Worley Parsons, South Africa. Following the presentation and awards ceremony, invited guests were welcomed for degustation of champagne and French cheese at the Worley Parsons entertainment hall.