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08 April 2019 | Story Valentino Ndaba | Photo Valentino Ndaba
Andrew Lane
Mining the fourth industrial revolution way is the future says industry expert, Andrew Lane.

Innovation is imperative for the future of mining in South Africa. Industry expert, Andrew Lane proposes that leveraging on new information, mining technologies and energy knowhow, which are the hallmarks of the fourth industrial revolution, should set the scene for success.

Lane who is Africa Energy and Resource Leader at Deloitte, engaged students at a recent guest lecture hosted by the University of the Free State’s Business School on the Bloemfontein Campus. “The future is intelligent mining. It’s not just about technology; it’s about changing the way you do business,” he said.

Transforming traditional to trailblazing
“What gives you sustainable competitive advantage is the rate at which you innovate,” said Lane. Design paradigm shifts in the South African mining industry may have resulted in about 100 000 job losses during the past four years. However, mining companies stand to achieve significant gains through applying innovation.

Despite most of South Africa’s mines nearing the end of their lives, mining remains a large employer and investor attractor which ensures that the country holds a competitive advantage in the global economy. Lane is adamant that, “even though we have declined from 20% to 5% in terms of GDP contributions, mining remains a large contributor to export earnings”.

Reaching resource-rich regions
While some physical resources are inaccessible using current technology, “new mineral-processing technologies help tap into previously uneconomical mineral deposits”, according to Lane. In addition to the environment, 3D visualisation cameras can track employees and equipment in the bowels of the earth.

More mining, less loss
Integrating mining, energy, and information technology will ensure that companies reduce people, capital and energy intensity, while increasing mining intensity. The impossible can be achieved if technology is used well for developmental outcomes, employment, and improving standards of living.



News Archive

UFS announces SRC election results
2008-08-23

The results for the Student Representative Council (SRC) and Student Parliament of the University of the Free State’s (US) Main Campus were announced today. The elections took place on Wednesday, 20 August 2008.

Ms Heloïse Jordaan, B.Com.Hons. student and Freedom Front+ candidate, was elected as SRC President. She was SRC member for media, marketing and liaison in 2007/2008.

This year three organisations, namely the DA, Sasco and Freedom Front+, took part in the elections. Altogether 6 926 students took part in the voting this year, while 6 820 students voted last year.

“I am glad to report that, according to the Independent Election Authority (IEA), the elections and the announcement of the results took place without any incidents,” said Dr Ezekiel Moraka, Vice-Rector: Student Affairs.

“While the percentage of students participating in the elections remains low, the various initiatives by the IEA in partnership with student organisations are starting to yield good results. This includes communication efforts to improve awareness of the elections and the access to voting stations,” said Dr Moraka.

“The UFS will provide its full support to the efforts of the newly elected student leadership as well as representatives of various student organisations to further improve student participation in the elections. We want to work with the student leadership to continue the process of transformation currently under way at the University,” said Dr Moraka.

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za  
22 August 2008

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