Industry cluster organisation Mining Equipment Manufacturers of South Africa’s (Memsa’s) Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Skills Study Project seeks to understand the 4IR skills-related needs of local manufacturers of mining equipment.

Since 4IR and skills development is a relatively new exploration for the industry, this has led to Memsa’s study focusing on the area because the uptake of new technologies is expected to increase significantly in the mining sector over the next few years.

The project is funded by industry education authority Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Merseta). Located within the Mandela Mining Precinct, Memsa helps facilitate communication and collaboration among the precinct’s partners, research programmes, and the local mining equipment manufacturing industry.

“The 4IR is bringing change to both the mining and manufacturing industries, and South African manufacturers need to respond to market demands and new opportunities that arise from this trend,” explains Memsa CEO Lehlohonolo Molloyi.

Memsa contracted economic development agency Urban Econ Nikela to assist with implementation of its research. The literature review and stakeholder consultation phases have been completed and a survey will be completed soon. It has commissioned six mini case studies to understand how 4IR and related skills requirements impacts at the level of individual companies.

The survey and case studies will provide background information to review existing qualifications in the post-school education and training field, as well as develop recommendations.

Molloyi explains that Memsa’s members and the South African industry operate within a highly competitive global market. Therefore, it is essential that they are able to respond to the needs of an evolving mining industry. The local industry also needs to be able to leverage new technologies to improve manufacturing processes.

“The 4IR technologies are gradually becoming more prevalent in the mining industry and in manufacturing,” elaborates Molloyi.

While Memsa’s research has shown that uptake by South African manufacturers is generally slower, technologies such as Internet of Things, robotics, artificial intelligence and digital twins are either being adopted to some extent, or manufacturers envisage investing in them in the coming years.

However, successful implementation will rest on availability of the necessary skills. Memsa’s literature review has indicated that the skills required include technical and soft skills, including change management, and creative thinking around new business models.

Further,

4IR technologies have tremendous potential to improve productivity and safety on mines through real-time information systems allowing for much more responsive management, and remote-controlled equipment being used in dangerous environments.

Moreover

, many 4IR technologies are aimed at ensuring that humans work effectively with machines, rather than being replaced by machines.

Memsa’s members were recently exposed to virtual reality- and artificial reality-based training solutions for rock drill and machine operators. While these technologies do not replace physical training, they are very cost effective and can speed up as well as enhance the training process.

Collaboration with programmes such as research centre South African Mining Extraction Research, Development and Innovation’s (Samerdi) Successful Application of Technologies Centred Around People (Satcap) and Real-Time Information Management Systems (RTIMS) programme expose Memsa member companies to research in the areas of people-centred technology and real-time information systems.

The Satcap programme demonstrates the importance of fostering positive attitudes to ongoing learning, flexibility and openness to change. Further research is being conducted by Memsa’s partners to understand where reskilling can be effective.

Meanwhile, mining industry employers’ organisation Minerals Council South Africa’s Collision Prevention Systems initiative is designed to foster collaboration among original-equipment manufacturers, original technology manufacturers, the mining industry, and research institutions. Such collaboration is essential given the complexity involved in implementing smart collision prevention systems, explains Molloyi.

Innovation Awards

Memsa completed its inaugural Innovation Awards earlier this month, and looks forward to implementing the first Memsa Manufacturing Awards in the coming months. Molloyi explains that many stakeholders lack awareness of the level of innovation taking place in South Africa.

Judges, guests, Memsa members and directors remarked positively on the innovations showcased at the awards. An important part of Memsa’s role is to highlight the capacity of the local manufacturing industry; telling the stories of mining supply chain innovators.

He explains that winners emphasised the importance of receiving recognition, as innovation takes years of dedication and investment, which is further impacted on by limited funding available for projects in the South African environment.

“We have witnessed that the great majority of our members have continued their product innovation through all the challenges of the past year, and we are proud to give them acknowledgement and exposure through the awards and other channels,” says Molloyi.

Memsa hopes that the awards will engender excitement in local and international markets. All the technologies entered into the awards have proven to significantly improve mining safety, productivity and profitability. Memsa looks forward to seeing the impact of these innovations for years to come, Molloyi concludes.