Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
Previous Archive
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

New format for our Autumn Graduation Ceremony
2011-05-11

 
Starting this year, the graduation ceremony takes on a new format. According to this, the main procession moves from the Main Building to the Callie Human Centre. The academics and graduates join the procession at appointed spots along the way.
Photo: Hannes Pieterse

This year, the graduation ceremony took on a new format, which aimed to visibly honour students, who completed their studies successfully, for their hard work. The highest number of qualifications (3 674) in the history of the UFS was presented during the graduation this week.

An honourary doctorate in Drama and Theatre arts was awarded to theatre stalwart, Mr Pieter Fourie on Wednesday, 11 May 2011.

The proceedings at our Main Campus in Bloemfontein followed shortly after the graduation at the UFS’s Qwaqwa campus in the Eastern Free State.

 

Photo gallery

Graduation messages

We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful. To better understand how they are used, read more about the UFS cookie policy. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept