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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

Keys to good time management
2016-11-04

Description: Academic Reboot Pack 2.0    Tags: Academic Reboot Pack 2.0

Unlocking the secret to good time
management is vital to ensure a
successful academic year.
Photo: Pixabay

“If the first thing you do each morning is to eat a live frog, you can go through the day with the satisfaction of knowing that that is probably the worst thing that is going to happen to you all day long.” – Mark Twain

Tackling your most important task first

The biggest, most important task which you tend to avoid because you do not know how to start, is known as your ‘frog’. As a student, it is vital that you get into the habit of tackling your most important task first thing in the morning to achieve high performance and productivity levels.

As exercise is to a diet, so is ‘eating your frog’ to your daily routine. Make it a priority without spending too much time thinking about it.

Time management apps

The Academic Reboot Pack 2.0 is aimed at helping students take control and get them moving towards successfully completing the 2016 academic year. The pack builds on Academic Reboot Pack 1.0 and provides helpful time management apps to help students manage their time more effectively.

The Any.do App allows you to organise your day by allowing you to create reminders, to-do lists, and notes which is saved on Any.do’s user-friendly interface. MyHomework, with its reliability and simplicity, helps you manage your academic life through its modern design and easy use.

Get your copy of the Academic Reboot Pack 2.0 on  Blackboardunder announcements or click here to download it.

Also see the first Academic Reboot Pack.

If students have any question or queries regarding the Academic Reboot Pack, they can send an email to: advising@ufs.ac.za.

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