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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

The UFS warmly welcomes 2016 first-years
2016-01-06

The University of the Free State (UFS) is ready to offer a warm welcome to all first-year and senior students for the 2016 academic year. In striving for excellence, we intend to provide an environment that is conducive to students enjoying their learning experience. To ensure that you, as new Kovsies, are able to navigate all three campuses easily, and receive the assistance you need, we have compiled a list for your information and convenience below.

Gateway Pocket Guide 2016

To assist you in finding your way on campus and to answer frequently asked questions, please read this document and refer to the accompanying map:
Information Sheet and Registration Map 2016.

 

Important dates


Bloemfontein Campus

18 - 22 January 2016: First-year student registration (Yearbooks) (view the full academic advice programme here)
25 - 29 January 2016: Senior resident student registration (Yearbooks) (view the full academic advice programme here)
20 January 2016: First-year athletics
23 January 2016: First-year sports tournament
30 January 2016: Rag procession
1 February 2016: Lectures start

South Campus

Registration and Orientation dates for the South Campus
1 February 2016: Lectures start

Qwaqwa Campus
Pre- and post-registration information for the Qwaqwa Campus
19-22 January 2016: Registration - first-year undergraduate students
22-25 January 2016: Gateway Orientation - first-year undergraduate students (Gateway Pocket Guide 2016)
25-29 January 2016: Registration - senior residence students (undergraduate and honours)    
25 January 2016: Registration - International students
26 January 2016: Official welcoming - first-year students
18 January – 5 February 2016: Registration - master’s and doctoral students
1-5 February 2016: Module and Qualification changes (all faculties)

1 February 2016: Lectures start

Stepping to success at UFS Qwaqwa Campus
Programme for other Gateway activities


Contact numbers 


Bloemfontein Campus

Switchboard: 
+27(0)51 401 9111
Admissions: 
+27(0)51 401 9864/ 3693/ 3696
 Financial Aid: 
+27(0)51 401 7175/ 9359/ 2103

Tuition Fees: 
Accounts/amounts payable: Undergraduate:
+27(0)51 401 2806 / 3003
Postgraduate, BML and e-Learn students:
+27(0)51 401 9537 
Bursaries: 
+27(0)51 401 9160/ 3603
Loans:
+27(0)51 401 9359/ 3202

Female Residences:
+27(0)51 401 3455

Male Residences: 

+27(0)51 401 3562 

Postgraduate Bursaries: 

+27(0)51 401 2045


South Campus

Switchboard: 
+27(0)51 401 9111
Tuition Fees:
+27(0)51 401 2806/ 3003


Female Residences:

+27(0)51 401 3455

Male Residences: 
+27(0)51 401 3562 
 

Admissions:
 
University Preparation Programme (UPP): 
+27 (0)51 505 1201/ 1362
Advanced Certificate in Teaching (ACT):
+27 (0)51 505 1378
National Professional Diploma in Education (NPDE):
+27 (0)51 505 1221
Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE):
+27 (0)51 505 1342
Varsity College:
+27 (0)51 505 1378
Short Learning Programmes: 
+27 (0)51 505 1436
 


Qwaqwa Campus

Switchboard: 
+27 (0)58 718 5000
Admissions: 
+27 (0)58 718 5011/ 5012/ 5022

Tuition Fees:
+27 (0)58 718 5024/ 5119

Financial Aid: 
+27 (0) 58 718 5062/ 5061/ 5038

Accommodation: 
+27 (0) 58 718 5030/ 5016


Payments and registration

Registration fees are payable five days before the registration date. 

Once you have registered, you will be able to access your official timetable. Use our campus maps to easily find your way around.

For detailed payment information, visit our Tuition Fees website.

Student card

Students on the Bloemfontein Campus have to obtain a student card from the Card Division on the Thakeneng Bridge. Your student card is your official university identification, and allows you access to:

  • campus
  • residence
  • events
  • library
  • computer labs.

With your student card, you are also able to pay for:

  • meals
  • books
  • electronic items.     

General

Once you are registered, important announcements will be emailed to your student email account (studentnumber@ufs4life.ac.za). Information regarding assessments and electronic study material related to the modules you are registered for at the university will be posted on Blackboard - an online learning management system. For Blackboard-related queries, dial +27 (0)51 401 9452. 

Safety and security is a priority here at the UFS. Protection services are available 24 hours a day on +27(0)51 401 / 2911. In addition, the Health and Wellness Centre is here to cater for your health needs. 

Please like the University of the Free State and the Kovsie2B Facebook pages to stay up-to-date about what is happening at the UFS.

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.

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