Skills, collaboration and partnership are key to success as rapid technological developments transform the mining industry as we knew it.

Mining Equipment Cluster MEMSA recognises the challenge and opportunities that come with the current digital transition or 4IR in the mining industry. The rapid development of new technologies and market requirements far exceeds the capacity of most manufacturers to navigate and master on their own. Rather the international trend is towards greater knowledge sharing and the creative partnering of organisations and technologies. Successful adaptation will further require the development of new sets of skills and capacity.

The recent study by the Minerals Council of South Africa and PwC with assistance from the Mandela Mining Precinct clearly demonstrated that 4IR technologies are permeating and improving all aspects of mine operations, from mining methods and equipment to safety, maintenance, communications, management and supply chains.

Over the coming year, MEMSA will be undertaking a study into emerging skills needs in the mining supply chain, specifically related to 4IR, with results to be shared with MERSETA and the Gauteng Department of Economic Development.

More immediately, the cluster is offering a series of four webinars entitled ‘Unpacking 4IR’ in collaboration with the Real Time Information Management Systems (RTIMS) programme at the Mandela Mining Precinct. The webinars aim to bring South African mining equipment manufacturers up to speed on the basic and more sophisticated concepts needed to engage meaningfully with 4IR in mining and manufacture.

To attend the third webinar in the series on the 1st of April, register here or contact Livhuwani Khobo at livhuwani@memsa.org.za. A 4IR Interest Group within the cluster meets monthly to share insights and explore possible areas for collaboration.

MEMSA is located at and collaborates closely with the Mandela Mining Precinct.

Read more about the cluster at memsa.org.za or contact Elizabeth at 083 235 1233, or admin@memsa.org.za.