Transformation, representation and inclusion are “key imperatives” for public–private mining industry collaboration the Mandela Mining Precinct, says research body The Coaltech Research Association (Coaltech) CEO Henk Lodewijks.

The association has been coordinating research and development (R&D) on behalf of the coal mining sector since 1999 and recognises that every effort towards innovation in the broader mining industry is crucial to its growth.

Lodewijks notes that mining R&D was neglected in the past, leading to lost capacity, as there was not a sufficient influx of previously marginalised people – particularly the youth – into the industry.

“We are sitting with the remnants of an untransformed mining research community, through the loss of skills and not enough inflow of young researchers. What we really need is a more inclusive approach, where a research community more representative of the country can meaningfully contribute to the betterment of the mining industry,” he tells Mining Weekly.

He adds that the focus should be on not only the outputs of the precinct and/or Coaltech but also the use of R&D in the sector, to make it even more sustainable.

“It is of no use for us to educate scientists and engineers and not be able to retain those skills in industry in the long term. We must ensure that they are able to find their place in the local mining industry.”

Further, while the association’s relationship with the Mandela Mining Precinct is “still quite young” from a Coaltech perspective, the establishment of the precinct in 2018 has broadened its scope and will benefit the mining industry for years to come.

“Coaltech is a far narrower-focused organisation, whereas the Mandela Mining Precinct has the broader focus of ensuring that all key stakeholders are pulling in the same direction. The ultimate goal is to have a unified mission and vision that is supported by industry,” he highlights.

Lodewijks adds that the association expressly aims to integrate its research with that of the Mandela Mining Precinct to ensure there is no duplication of effort, consequently also ensuring that the R&D produced is of the greatest benefit to the country.

“The Mandela Mining Precinct is a great initiative and it is going to steer South African mining back to its glory days as far as mining R&D is concerned. It is a very important platform and I have faith that we are going to get it right,” he enthuses.