Building the Future of Our Profession Through Knowledge Sharing

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Created: Friday, 03 July 2026 07:23

Written by K. Banda

The future of South Africa’s minerals industry depends not only on new technologies and investment, but on the competence, professionalism and continuous development of the engineers, scientists and technical specialists who serve it.

As our industry evolves to meet increasingly complex technical, environmental and societal challenges, lifelong learning is no longer optional. It is a professional responsibility. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) exists to ensure that registered professionals remain technically competent, professionally accountable and equipped to make decisions that protect the public while advancing our industry.

While CPD is often viewed through the lens of compliance and registration renewal, its true purpose is much broader. It is about developing better professionals, sharing knowledge, mentoring others and strengthening the engineering community for future generations.

This is where the SAIMM Journal plays a vital role.

More Than a Journal

For more than a century, the SAIMM Journal has served as one of the mining and metallurgical industry’s most respected platforms for technical knowledge sharing.

Every published paper captures practical experience, innovative thinking, research findings or lessons learned from real engineering challenges. Every peer review helps ensure that this knowledge meets the highest technical standards before it is shared with the profession.

The Journal is therefore far more than a publication. It is a mechanism through which the collective knowledge of our profession is preserved, challenged and continuously improved.

CPD Through Professional Contribution

An added benefit of contributing to the Journal is that these activities also support members in meeting their CPD requirements.

Under the ECSA CPD Rules, members may claim:

• 2 CPD credits for publishing a peer-reviewed research paper as a single author.
• 1 CPD credit per author for peer-reviewed papers with multiple authors.
• 1 CPD credit for publishing a technical article.
• 1 CPD credit for presenting a paper or poster at a conference or congress. These activities form part of Category 3: Engineering Community of Practice. Registered professionals are required to accumulate a minimum of 25 CPD credits over each five-year renewal cycle while maintaining an appropriate balance across CPD categories.

Rather than viewing these credits simply as a compliance requirement, they should be seen as recognition of meaningful professional contributions that strengthen the engineering community.

The Importance of Peer Review

Behind every quality technical publication is an experienced reviewer who has invested time and expertise to improve the work before publication.

Peer reviewers evaluate technical accuracy, provide constructive feedback, identify knowledge gaps and help ensure that published papers remain relevant, credible and valuable to industry.

Reviewing also benefits the reviewer. It provides early exposure to emerging technologies, encourages critical technical thinking and keeps professionals connected to the latest developments within their field.

Following engagement between the SAIMM CPD Committee and the Publications Committee, the Committees agreed that journal reviewing should be recognised under Category 3B: Engineering Community of Practice (Individual Activities).

To encourage greater participation and recognise the contribution reviewers make, SAIMM will recognise journal reviewing at a rate of one CPD credit for every 10 notional hours of active review, aligned with the credit allocation applied to comparable Category 3B professional activities. This provides members with another meaningful opportunity to contribute while building their CPD portfolio.

Every Professional Has Knowledge Worth Sharing

One of the greatest misconceptions is that technical publishing is reserved for researchers or academics.

The reality is that every project presents challenges, innovations and lessons that can benefit the wider profession. Whether it is improving plant performance, solving an operational problem, implementing new technology or managing a complex project, these experiences represent valuable knowledge that deserves to be shared.

Likewise, experienced professionals possess decades of practical insight that can help shape the next generation of technical publications through constructive peer review.

Building Capability for the Future

One of the strategic objectives of the SAIMM CPD Committee is to foster a culture of lifelong learning, expand meaningful CPD opportunities and support members throughout every stage of their professional journey.

Encouraging greater participation in the SAIMM Journal directly supports this vision. It strengthens technical capability, promotes professional excellence and ensures that valuable engineering knowledge is shared rather than lost.

As professionals, we each have a responsibility not only to maintain our own competence, but also to contribute to the development of others.

Every paper published preserves valuable knowledge.

Every review completed improves the quality of that knowledge.

Every contribution helps develop more capable professionals and a stronger minerals industry.

That is the true value of CPD, and that is the enduring value of the SAIMM Journal.

K. Banda
SAIMM CPD Committee

Beyond succession: From next in line to leading the charge

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Created: Tuesday, 09 June 2026 07:23

Written by C. Chijara

The mining industry has long been a cornerstone of economic growth, powering industries, enabling infrastructure, and supporting livelihoods across the globe. Yet, today, the sector stands at a defining moment. Rapid technological advancement, increasing sustainability pressures, and shifting workforce expectations are reshaping the landscape faster than ever before. The future of mining will not simply unfold on its own; it will be built by those bold enough to shape it.

Young professionals are often spoken about as the “next generation” of leaders, as though their role is to wait patiently in the wings until it is their turn. While succession planning remains important, this narrative can unintentionally downplay the value young professionals bring right now. They are not merely future leaders. They are innovators, problem-solvers, and changemakers already influencing the industry today.

As digital natives entering an increasingly data-driven and technology-enabled world, young professionals are naturally positioned to accelerate innovation. They are often more comfortable embracing emerging technologies such as automation, artificial intelligence, digital twins, and simulation-based learning tools. Their confidence in these areas can unlock new ways of working, improve efficiency, and drive smarter decision-making across operations.

But the transformation of mining is not just about technology. The industry’s greatest opportunities and challenges require more than technical solutions. Improving productivity, strengthening safety, reducing environmental impact, and attracting top talent all demand human-centred leadership. Young professionals often bring fresh energy, collaborative mindsets, and a strong desire to contribute to meaningful work. They are more willing to challenge outdated practices, ask difficult questions, and seek better ways of doing things. This mindset is exactly what the industry needs to remain competitive and sustainable.

At the same time, many young professionals enter the industry with ambition and excitement, only to find themselves navigating rigid structures, limited exposure to strategic conversations, and a lack of mentorship. If mining organisations want to unlock the full potential of young professionals, they must move beyond seeing them as part of a succession pipeline and start recognising them as strategic contributors. This means creating real opportunities for young voices to be heard, involving them in innovation and problem-solving initiatives, and investing in mentorship that develops both technical and leadership capability.

Professional bodies such as the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and its Young Professionals Council have an important role to play in this journey. By creating platforms for networking, knowledge-sharing, and professional development, these organisations help bridge the gap between emerging talent and established leaders.

The mining industry of tomorrow is being shaped today. It will belong to those who innovate boldly, collaborate intentionally, and lead with purpose through complexity and change. Young professionals are already doing exactly that.

The conversation should no longer be about preparing young professionals to lead someday. The conversation should be about trusting them, empowering them, and partnering with them to lead now.

C. Chijara
SAIMM YPC Chairperson

Renewed passion and foresight for Tailings

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Created: Friday, 08 May 2026 07:23

Written by L. Spies

Tailings storage facilities (TSFs) – the focus of this issue – were in the past considered the rubbish dumps of the mines. They were afterthoughts that were mostly kept out of sight and out of mind. In more recent years, there have been several high profile TSF failures (including Samarco in 2015 and Brumadinho in 2019), which were in the media spotlight because of the multiple fatalities, or widespread contamination of river systems that occurred. These failures acted as the catalyst for the creation of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM) – a more demanding benchmark for tailings dam safety and sustainability. Among the GISTM’s many positive effects has been to raise the profile of TSFs and, hence, raise the budgets available for their management. The higher budgets have allowed for better, site-specific, characterisation of tailings and the underlying foundation materials, through more comprehensive in situ geotechnical investigations and advanced laboratory testing. Where designs in the past were often based on empirical rules-of-thumb, better designs are now possible based on a greatly improved understanding of tailings behaviour and foundation conditions.

Improvements have also been achieved in the monitoring of TSF performance. There has been widespread adoption of state-of-the-art, real-time monitoring technologies including vibrating wire piezometers, fibre optic sensors, InSAR, drone surveys, and automated data analytics. These advances enable the continuous performance monitoring of facilities and early detection of potential issues.

There has also been a welcome clarification of roles and responsibilities among the various parties involved in TSF management. This has strengthened governance and accountability, resulting in greater attention being paid to critical activities such as risk management, adherence to design intent, and effective community engagement.

Upskilling of various role players has also increased, with non-geotechnical parties becoming more familiar with the geotechnical aspects around TSF behaviour. Training on the application of site specific operating manuals has improved, aligning the operator more closely with the TSF’s design intent.

One of the GISTM’s focuses is on better documentation, that is, of aspects such as designs, design intents, and as-built records. Operation and safety standards in South Africa have in the past generally been to a high standard, due to the application of the SANS 10286 Code of Practice for Mine Residue; however, documentation may not always have been in place to reflect this. The GISTM has now facilitated improved documentation of various aspects, including what has actually been constructed, especially where changes have been made between the design stage and what is actually built.

The GISTM has, however, also resulted in some unforeseen negative impacts. There has been a scramble for tailings engineers, for instance, as the GISTM requires more engineering roles. These roles have had to be sourced from the existing – and limited – resource pool of engineers. There have also been cases where GISTM compliance has been pursued in a hurried and superficial manner, with appointments not always empowering individuals to perform their required roles. There have even been cases when the focus on achieving GISTM compliance has distracted role players from focusing on physical risks. For example, efforts to improve documentation for the sake of compliance may have side-tracked the need to spend time on actual stability concerns.

The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) held its fourth Tailings Conference in March 2026. This forum showcased the excellent standard of work that is being undertaken since the introduction of the GISTM. It highlighted new technologies and lessons learnt from past failures, which will help the industry achieve higher standards of safety, environmental protection, and responsible tailings stewardship into the future. The conference also provided a platform for role players to discuss some of the challenges around GISTM implementation, and how these are being addressed at different operations. The key takeaway from the conference was that a dedicated passion for this field is what is needed most of all to keep the tailings industry growing even stronger into the future. We are fortunate that the Southern African tailings industry is full of passionate individuals, so there is little doubt that the custodianship of tailings facilities now and into the immediate future – is in good hands!

L. Spies

Can the mining sector absorb its new talent at present?

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Created: Friday, 27 March 2026 14:23

Written by F. Uahengo

Four to six years spent drowning in theory, clutching at the few pockets of practical experience offered along the way. Then comes that electrifying moment of tense but hopeful, where you’re convinced that all the late nights, group projects, and exam battles will finally pay off. That the knowledge you earned will soon translate into real work… and fuller pockets.

But reality has a way of interrupting the fantasy. Suddenly, every vacancy is ‘already filled’, despite yesterday’s headline insisting that several mines are desperate for skilled personnel.”

This is the crossroads where many young graduates find themselves, not just in the mining sector, but across industries. Degrees in hand, ambition in heart, only to discover a job market that seems to be playing a completely different game.

The mining industry is facing a striking paradox: companies struggle to find skilled mid career professionals, yet new graduates cannot land their first job. The shortage is not in numbers, but in experience. As automation and digitalisation transform mining, technical roles now demand operators who can handle real time data, automated systems, and AI supported processes. Tasks that once formed the essential training ground like routine inspections, sampling, and basic equipment checks, are increasingly absorbed by technology. This raises a tough question: Are universities evolving at the same pace as the industry they serve? And can they do it without a strong education-industry-government alliance?

At the same time, a large cohort of experienced engineers and operators is heading into retirement, taking decades of hard earned, site based knowledge with them. Graduates, even the brightest, cannot instantly fill these high stakes roles that require “experience density” built on years of hands-on exposure. And another honest question arises: Are young professionals prepared for remote mining realities, or does the pull of urban life quietly narrow the talent pipeline?

So where did the skills gap truly emerge? Did the industry fail to train enough successors early on, or did the people it trained drift away halfway through their careers? Whatever the cause, the result is the same; a widening disconnect between what mining needs and what new talent is equipped to offer.

To close this gap, the industry must rethink its early career pathways. This means deeper, more intentional collaboration with universities, curricula that reflect the digital mine of today, not yesterday, consistently funded graduate programmes, and strong mentorship structures to transfer critical knowledge before it vanishes. These commitments must persist even through market downturns. In parallel, refreshing the industry’s public image, and offering more flexible work models where possible, could help attract and retain the next generation.

With enrolment rising again in mining and metallurgical programmes, the opportunity is right in front of us. Now the sector must act decisively to align its evolving needs with the skills of graduates and the expectations of the workforce of the future. Only then can mining secure the talent pipeline it desperately needs.

F. Uahengo

9th International PGM Conference

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Created: Thursday, 05 March 2026 17:19

Written by R.M.S. Falcon

Professional bodies have long played a critical role in shaping the mining and minerals sector. They provide technical credibility, foster knowledge exchange, and create spaces where professionals can engage beyond their immediate operational roles. In an industry facing increasing complexity, this role is arguably more important than it has ever been.

At the same time, the context in which young professionals enter and experience the industry has shifted materially. If professional institutions are to remain relevant and impactful, it is worth reflecting on whether existing engagement models, programmes, and operating structures still align with the realities faced by the next generation of mining professionals.

Historically, professional engagement followed a relatively linear pathway. Students were introduced to the profession, graduates joined institutes, and involvement deepened over time through volunteering, committee work, and leadership roles. Today, this pathway is far less predictable. Young professionals are often geographically dispersed, working at remote operations, managing demanding roles, and balancing professional growth with personal and family responsibilities. In this environment, passive engagement models risk losing traction. The question is no longer whether young professionals should engage, but whether professional bodies are structured to engage them effectively.

Programme relevance is closely linked to this challenge. Technical excellence remains foundational to mining and metallurgy, and it always will. Yet, many young professionals are seeking more than technical depth. They are navigating complex career decisions, rapid technological change, evolving leadership expectations, and increasingly interdisciplinary roles. Professional development offerings that integrate technical capability with leadership, communication, systems thinking, and career navigation are becoming increasingly important in meeting the needs of the modern young professional.

A further consideration is the operating model of professional bodies themselves. Many institutes rely heavily on volunteerism and short leadership terms to function. While this model has served the profession well for decades, it also creates a participation paradox for young professionals. At the stage of their careers when work demands are highest and many are establishing families or relocating to remote sites, they are also being asked to contribute time, energy, and leadership capacity to professional institutions. This tension is not always a lack of commitment, but rather structural constraints that warrant careful reflection.

As the mining industry continues to change, so too must the ways in which professional communities engage, support, and develop their future leaders. Institutions that adapt thoughtfully to these realities will not only remain relevant but will strengthen their role as custodians of the profession for generations to come.

R.M.S. Falcon

Meeting Young Professionals Where They Are

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Created: Friday, 30 January 2026 09:23

Written by M.A. Mello

Professional bodies have long played a critical role in shaping the mining and minerals sector. They provide technical credibility, foster knowledge exchange, and create spaces where professionals can engage beyond their immediate operational roles. In an industry facing increasing complexity, this role is arguably more important than it has ever been.

At the same time, the context in which young professionals enter and experience the industry has shifted materially. If professional institutions are to remain relevant and impactful, it is worth reflecting on whether existing engagement models, programmes, and operating structures still align with the realities faced by the next generation of mining professionals.

Historically, professional engagement followed a relatively linear pathway. Students were introduced to the profession, graduates joined institutes, and involvement deepened over time through volunteering, committee work, and leadership roles. Today, this pathway is far less predictable. Young professionals are often geographically dispersed, working at remote operations, managing demanding roles, and balancing professional growth with personal and family responsibilities. In this environment, passive engagement models risk losing traction. The question is no longer whether young professionals should engage, but whether professional bodies are structured to engage them effectively.

Programme relevance is closely linked to this challenge. Technical excellence remains foundational to mining and metallurgy, and it always will. Yet, many young professionals are seeking more than technical depth. They are navigating complex career decisions, rapid technological change, evolving leadership expectations, and increasingly interdisciplinary roles. Professional development offerings that integrate technical capability with leadership, communication, systems thinking, and career navigation are becoming increasingly important in meeting the needs of the modern young professional.

A further consideration is the operating model of professional bodies themselves. Many institutes rely heavily on volunteerism and short leadership terms to function. While this model has served the profession well for decades, it also creates a participation paradox for young professionals. At the stage of their careers when work demands are highest and many are establishing families or relocating to remote sites, they are also being asked to contribute time, energy, and leadership capacity to professional institutions. This tension is not always a lack of commitment, but rather structural constraints that warrant careful reflection.

As the mining industry continues to change, so too must the ways in which professional communities engage, support, and develop their future leaders. Institutions that adapt thoughtfully to these realities will not only remain relevant but will strengthen their role as custodians of the profession for generations to come.

M.A. Mello

ESG-focused edition

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Created: Friday, 12 December 2025 09:40

Written by G.L. Smith

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations have become increasingly important in the business world and contribute to long-term sustainability and responsible corporate behaviour. An ESG-driven strategy is not only a responsible approach to business but also an imperative for long-term success. It can contribute to risk mitigation, enhance reputation, attract capital, foster innovation, and engender social license to operate, making it an enduring competitive advantage. Despite varied acceptance and interpretation, ESG considerations are crucial for addressing environmental and social challenges and ensuring sustainable development of the mineral industry.

The role of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM), in the promotion of ESG, is based on the premise that sustainability, and the contribution of the mining and minerals industry to society, is dependent on the professional and ethical conduct of minerals industry professionals – our members.

This journal edition is a wide-ranging collation of environmental, social, and governance sustainability topics intended to broaden perspective on the penetration of ESG sustainability considerations across the minerals industry.

The paper by Nxumalo and Field describes an approach to improve understanding of mine closure planning at Tshikondeni coal mine and identifies closure processes that achieve post-mining land use that aligns with a post-closure strategy to transition from a mining to an eco-tourism economy that can preserve livelihoods and self-reliant communities.

Masir et al. present a framework to optimise the utilisation of critical infrastructure and minimise operational disturbances to coal longwall mining operations, whilst introducing a system resilience index to optimise equipment use and longevity.

The opportunities and challenges associated with the nature of artisanal and small-scale mining are explored by Rembulwani and Dikio-Makia.

Maswanganyi et al. explore gaps and opportunities in sustainable development initiatives within the South African mining industry.

Bioleaching of metals is not new technology, however the paper by Eze et al. highlights the presence and application of indigenous ore-hosted microbes with bioleaching and beneficiation potentials that can be exploited to upgrade an iron ore resource with phosphorus and sulphur content.

Khan and Magweregwede explore circular opportunities in the mining sector and conclude that the most implementable circular economy opportunities are those aligned with the second principle of keeping materials in use. High impact opportunities are aligned with the first principle of designing out waste and pollution, whilst application of the third principle of regenerating natural systems, is more difficult to implement owing to large investment requirements.

A comparative consideration of environmental law in South Africa and Australia by Agyemang and Ashukem results in a conclusion that an approach based on a managed financial provision would be appropriate for effective rehabilitation of legacy mining operations. However, the approaches differ between countries in that South Africa, guided by the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act of 2002, depends on state budget allocations, leading to funding inconsistencies and slow progress. Whilst, in contrast, the Western Australia’s Mine Rehabilitation Fund Act of 2012 relies on a levy-based system, ensuring continuous financial support for mine rehabilitation.

The study by Gumede on blast induced noise and ground vibration on mud house homes identified gaps in current regulatory instruments and established that current safe limit criteria focus on general structural damage with little regard to human impact and response. A new approach is proposed, based on relating limits to the structural and human response.

The diversity of these topics and the associated insights highlight the inherent complexity of effectively dealing with ESG sustainability matters. However, whilst effectively addressing ESG matters involves investment, it will create long-term value for all stakeholders, build resilience, and position mining companies for success in an increasingly sustainability-conscious world.

G.L. Smith

Pioneering progress: The future of rock engineering

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Created: Friday, 21 November 2025 14:01

Written by K. Le Bron

It was our great pleasure to welcome delegates to AfriRock 2025, themed “Pioneering progress: The future of rock engineering,” held at the Sun City Hotel and Casino in Rustenburg from 19 to 23 July 2025. The conference was an absolutely resounding success. This prestigious international event brought together rock engineering professionals, researchers, and industry leaders from across the globe to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and showcase innovations that are shaping the future of mining both on the African continent and worldwide.

Two pre-conference workshops were held ahead of the formal proceedings—one focused on pillar design and the other on stress measurements—setting the tone for an engaging and technically rich event. We were honoured to host distinguished keynote speakers, each contributing unique expertise and insight. In addition to the keynote addresses, the symposium featured a robust programme of technical papers presented by industry professionals, consultants, and researchers. Technical slope stability papers published in the special edition of the SAIMM Journal (August 2025) were also presented at the conference, reinforcing the academic and practical depth of AfriRock 2025. Following the formal proceedings, technical visits to gold, platinum, diamond, and copper mines were organised, offering delegates the opportunity to experience innovative rock engineering practices in action. Complementing the technical programme, social events held at the end of each day provided valuable opportunities for attendees to network in an informal and engaging setting.

Conferences like AfriRock 2025 play a vital role in advancing our industry by fostering collaboration, professional growth, and the dissemination of cutting-edge technologies and best practices. The discussions and presentations throughout the event highlighted the importance of continuous learning, sustainable design, and the application of modern geotechnical methods to meet the evolving challenges faced by the mining environment.

We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this conference a success—our keynote speakers, paper authors, reviewers, exhibitors, and sponsors. Their dedication, time, and expertise formed the foundation of this achievement. A special note of appreciation goes to the Technical Paper Review Committee and the Organising Committee, comprising members of the South African National Institute of Rock Engineering (SANIRE) and the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM), for their commitment and hard work in delivering an exceptional international conference.

K. Le Bron

The art of rock engineering design and the need for research

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Created: Tuesday, 21 October 2025 11:02

Written by F. Malan

Rock Engineers and mine personnel frequently disagree on design aspects. These disagreements can lead to poor designs or failures. A number of large collapses have occurred in the bord and pillar mines and open cast mines in the Southern Africa region in the last two decades. Can we learn from the decision-making that led to these collapses and improve? Philosophy offers the opportunity to adopt a reflective learning approach.

ChatGPT gave an interesting insight into this aspect of mine design. Rock engineering is less of an exact science than other engineering disciplines and it is suggested that rock engineering design is best described as a “science-based art”. The science provides the foundation and design is based on aspects such as rock mechanics principles (e.g., stress-strain behaviour, and failure criteria), empirical methods (e.g., Q-system, and RMR), numerical modelling (e.g., finite element, distinct element, and boundary element methods), monitoring and instrumentation (e.g., extensometers and stress cells) and geological and geotechnical data (e.g., boreholes, core logging, and lab tests). The designs are never purely scientific owing to reasons such as natural variability of the rock mass, the geology is complex and discontinuous, the uncertainty caused by incomplete or generalised data, decisions must often be made with partial information, when conditions change the designs must evolve, and balancing performance, cost, and safety is not purely technical.

Based on these considerations, it implies that “industry standard” criteria for design neither are always the best technical solutions, nor does it imply these criteria are correct. Davide Elmo and his co-workers explored this topic and examined rock engineering using a philosophical approach (Elmo et al., 2022) in Examining Rock Engineering Knowledge through a Philosophical Lens. Geosciences. They noted that rock engineering designs are shaped by cognitive biases, which over time have created a dogmatic barrier to innovation. Almost no attention has been given to the impact that subjectivity, human factors, and lack of scientific replicability have on the empirical design methods used in this field.

As a complicating factor, the modelling methodologies and constitutive codes typically used are difficult to calibrate and represent a universal challenge for the application of rock engineering models. As more complex numerical models are developed for the improved simulation of observed rock mass behaviour, more onerous requirements of model calibration and user expertise are required. This applies to boundary element models, finite element, and finite difference codes. Elmo et al. (2022) made the following important observation: “It is evident generally that if older and simpler solutions have a clear advantage in terms of durability and/or efficiency, even if this advantage is restricted to a limited purpose, they continue to exist and evolve.” In his 2003 Presidential Address: Rock engineering – good design or good judgement, T.R. Stacey recognised this problem and noted that rock masses are so complex that realistic modelling, even with sophisticated methods, is impossible. Simple elastic models with good engineering judgement may therefore continue to exist as one of the practical rock engineering tools.

As a first step to mitigate the uncertainty in rock engineering and the challenge described in this note, Elmo et al. (2022) emphasised that for research, critical thinking needs to be applied and the foundations of rock engineering as an empirical science should be questioned. Furthermore “replication” research should be conducted as a more rigorous form of review compared to the traditional peer review. A recent example of replication research is given by the Le Roux and Malan paper (2024). Researchers need to provide full information to allow others to replicate their work. Very often the assumptions used for numerical modelling of layout design are not given in design reports and these need to be included in the reports.

F. Malan

Safety and the human dimension

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Created: Thursday, 02 October 2025 09:08

Written by M. Onifade

Mining has historically been one of the most hazardous industries, a reality that has shaped the sector’s reputation for high risks and low margins of safety. Despite decades of progress in mechanisation, automation, improved ventilation, and the widespread adoption of personal protective equipment, accidents and occupational diseases remain serious and persistent concerns. Underground mining poses unique challenges because workers are confined to narrow spaces where they are exposed to unpredictable geological conditions, poor visibility, high temperatures, and dangerous gases. Beyond these acute risks are chronic health conditions that develop over time, including silicosis from prolonged inhalation of respirable dust, occupational hearing loss from exposure to high levels of noise, and musculoskeletal disorders resulting from heavy manual handling. The persistence of these problems highlights the complexity of mining safety and health, showing that technological improvements alone cannot eliminate them.

What is particularly striking is that many of these hazards are not new. Historical records show that mine heat stress, for instance, was a well-recognised occupational hazard in South African gold mines by the mid-twentieth century, where deep-level mining exposed workers to extreme geothermal heat. Decades later, despite significant research into mine cooling systems, refrigeration, and ventilation optimisation, heat stress remains a major challenge in ultra-deep mines worldwide. Likewise, dust-related diseases such as silicosis and pneumoconiosis were documented as early as the nineteenth century, yet miners in jurisdictions with strict regulation, including Australia and the United States, continue to suffer from such conditions. In some coal mining regions, cases of “black lung” have even re-emerged after being thought nearly eradicated. This persistence suggests that while engineering controls and medical surveillance programmes are critical, they cannot succeed without rigorous enforcement of standards, strong occupational health policies, and most importantly, a cultural commitment to safety.

Indeed, the evidence shows that accidents and diseases in mining often result from organisational and systemic failures as much as from technical limitations. For example, lapses in enforcement, inadequate training, or production pressures can undermine the effectiveness of safety measures. Worker participation is therefore vital; miners must not only be protected by technology but also empowered to identify risks, report unsafe practices, and influence decision-making without fear of reprisal. A culture of safety must be nurtured at every level, from corporate leadership down to the underground face worker. Without this cultural shift, even the most advanced safety systems risk becoming superficial or poorly implemented.

The rise of automation and digital technologies in mining presents a new chapter in this long struggle between hazard and safety. On one hand, the deployment of autonomous haulage systems, remote-controlled drilling equipment, and advanced real-time monitoring systems offers unprecedented opportunities to remove workers from high-risk zones. Technologies such as wearable sensors can track miner fatigue, monitor gas levels, and even detect hazardous movements, thereby reducing accidents. Drones and robotic inspection devices can be sent into dangerous areas before humans, minimising exposure to unknown risks. These developments, if integrated with strong safety systems, have the potential to revolutionise mining health and safety.

On the other hand, these same technologies introduce new challenges. Automation can displace traditional jobs, leading to unemployment or underemployment in mining-dependent communities. The shift toward digital mining requires new skill sets, including expertise in programming, data analysis, and systems management, which many mining regions, especially in developing countries, are not equipped to provide. Without adequate reskilling programmes and community investment, technological advances may exacerbate social inequality, leaving behind the very workers they were meant to protect. Furthermore, automation can introduce new categories of risks, such as cybersecurity vulnerabilities in mine control systems or over-reliance on complex technologies that can fail under certain conditions.

Safety in mining, therefore, cannot be considered in isolation from broader social justice concerns. Protecting workers underground must go hand-in-hand with protecting the wellbeing of mining communities on the surface. Social sustainability to ensure that workers have meaningful employment, access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities remains central to the true advancement of mining safety. Ultimately, while technology can reduce exposure to hazards, it is strong regulatory enforcement, cultural transformation, and inclusive community engagement that will determine whether the mining industry can overcome its long history of danger and fulfill its responsibility to both workers and society.

M. Onifade