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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

Prof. Jonathan Jansen to receive lifetime achievement award
2012-03-23

 

Prof. Jonathan Jansen
23 March 2012



The University of the Free State (UFS) is proud to announce the nomination of its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Jonathan Jansen, for a Lifetime Achievement Award for Africa. The nomination by Education Africa is for his work, vision and achievements in higher education.
 
The past awardees are Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Sir Bob Geldof, Sir Richard Branson and David Dinkins, former mayor of New York City.
 
Education Africa is a non-profit organisation which assists disadvantaged South Africans to obtain a quality, relevant education. Prof. Jansen will receive the award during a Gala Awards dinner in New York, USA, in October this year.
 
Following on his successful book "We need to talk", Prof. Jansen also recently released a new book entitled "Letters to my children: Tweets to make you think". 
 
The royalties of "We need to talk", to the value of R100 000 will be handed over to the No Student Hungry Campaign of the UFS during a Dinner Launch of the campaign in Bloemfontein tonight.  
 
Prof. Jansen also recently received the Paul Harris Award from the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International for “tangible and significant assistance for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world.”

Media Release
23 March 2012
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Director: Strategic Communication
Tel: +27(0)51 401 2584
Cell: +27(0)83 645 2454
E-mail: news@ufs.ac.za

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