Electra Mining Africa Theatre Seminar Programme
- 2 – 6 September 2024
- JHB Expo Centre, Nasrec
TIME: 10h00 – 10h20
TOPIC: Creating a sustainable future for your business with solar, battery and wheeling
Description
For South African businesses operating on a global scale, the unique challenges of the country’s uncertain energy landscape have added another dimension to their green energy journey. Reaching net-zero goals now parallels the need for energy self-sufficiency as more and more operations need to balance their green ambitions with independence from the constraints of utility power.
Innovation within South Africa’s renewable energy landscape has opened the door to power possibilities for the mining and manufacturing industries. On-site solar has evolved substantially to offer sustainable carbon reduction and cost savings to businesses. Add battery storage to the mix, and business owners can augment their solar to perform beyond its tried and trusted daytime capabilities. The decentralisation of power generation has also bolstered South Africa’s renewable energy transformation, with wheeling projects coming online to connect businesses with solar farms and other utility-scale projects.
When pairing these innovations with the latest financing options available, it quickly becomes evident that renewable energy has now become more accessible to businesses in South Africa than ever before. From traditional Power Purchase Agreements and battery leases to Virtual Power Purchase Agreements for wheeling: IPPs and businesses can partner together to fast-track their carbon reduction, cost savings, and power security goals.
Speaker name & Bio
Brandon Horn, Head of Commercial, SolarAfrica.
With more than 16 years of sales and business development experience, Brandon is the Head of Commercial at SolarAfrica. He possesses a proven track record in driving sales growth and business expansion, with a strong focus on developing solar energy and battery storage proposals for commercial and industrial customers.
An analytical and discerning mind, Brandon taps into his expertise to deliver valuable insights into specific customer needs, enabling him to deliver tailored solutions that meet their unique renewable energy requirements. He actively engages with sales teams, partners, engineers and compliance offers to foster collaborative relationships and encourage innovation. Brandon joined SolarAfrica in 2022. In 2023 (year-to-date) he has secured over 15 MWh in batteries with a pipeline of over 90 MWh, together with 17 MW in solar energy with 145 MW in the pipeline.
TIME: 10h30 – 10h50
TOPIC: Why South Africa Could Be Ready for Thermal Conversion OTR Tire Recycling
Description
Speaker name & Bio
Terry Galvin, VP Recycling Services, Kal Tire’s Mining Tire Group.
Terry is a seasoned mining professional with a comprehensive career spanning over 25 years, from operator roles through mechanical trades to executive management. His diverse experience encompasses plant operations, equipment servicing, and original equipment manufacturing (OEM), enriched with a focus on digitalization and sustainability along the way.
TIME: 11h00 – 11h20
TOPIC: Minimizing investment to support the long-term drive to Net Zero
Description
Mining & Mineral processing plays a crucial role in our modern society by providing essential minerals and metals that are used in various aspects of daily life including Consumer Goods, Electronics, Infrastructure and Construction, Healthcare, Medicine and Fertilizers. However Mining is often recognized as an energy intensive and environmentally harmful industry. Despite these challenges, responsible mining practices are necessary to meet growing demands for critical minerals and to support the future needs of the Energy Transition, while minimizing environmental and social impacts. With Mineral extraction now forecasted to take a significant upward trajectory, this will also mean in the short-medium term a large increase in energy consumption, which of course is the opposite of what is required to achieve Net Zero. Changing the way, we deliver energy to the mines will be pivotal in reaching these decarbonization goals, and will take major investments to transition large scale to alternatives such as Solar PV, Wind, Electrolysers and Energy Storage systems as examples. However, this will be a longer term goal and we must also realise that none of these will support the mining processes to operate in a more efficient way.
This can all seem very overwhelming for Mining companies; however, it is important we step back for a moment, take a breath and evaluate what can be achieved with minimum investment now in the short term, to support the long-term drive to Net Zero. Here Craig will focus on the pivotal role of Variable Frequency Drive technologies in terms of sustainable and reliable minerals production.
Speaker name & Bio
Craig Rapson, Global Business Development Director – Mining, Minerals, Cement, Danfoss South Africa (Pty) Ltd.
Craig joined Danfoss in January 2006 and has +35 years’ experience of Motor/Drives & Automation.
His focus at Danfoss is Global Business Development; Multi-stakeholder engagement and Portfolio mapping to customer strategies. His interests include ESG and Global Decarbonization strategies; Innovation exchange for a sustainable future; Digitalization & intelligent asset monitoring; Optimization of production processes; Industry networking & information sharing; Value Selling opportunities as well as being an Industry Speaker.
TIME: 11h30 – 11h50
TOPIC: Responsible Lubricants
Description
Used lubricating oils represent a serious problem for both the environment and human health due to the presence of highly harmful contaminants. Existing environmental legislation as well as the introduction of the EPR scheme for the lubricants sector in late 2023, seeks to further address this negative impact in South Africa.
Irene will give an overview of the used lubricating oil industry, the implications of EPR for end-users, and will discuss the immense benefits of true recycling to both the economy and environment which can lead to real sustainability within the South African lubricants industry.
Speaker name & Bio
Irene von Knoblauch-Dreyer is the Managing Director of Flexilube, a leading lubricants and metalworking fluid manufacturer founded in 1984.
Irene holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Psychology from Rhodes University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from Wits Business School.
She started her career in 2000, working as an associate in the crisis management and corporate communications team at Burson-Marsteller London, where she ran numerous incident-based simulations and programs for a variety of international FMCG companies. These programmes were directed at helping corporate management handle major crises; including product failures, international recalls, strikes, difficult restructuring and product tampering. She also implemented pan-European media outreach programmes which included the training of senior executives, in conjunction with leading broadcast journalists, in a ‘live studio’ environment.
Upon returning to South Africa in 2005, she joined Flexilube as a management trainee, working for the Commercial Director. Over the following four years, she underwent an intensive training programme where she worked in each business unit gaining valuable insight into the operational, commercial, technical and sales aspects of the South African lubricants industry. In 2009, she became General Manager and together with her management team was tasked with implementing strategies to further innovate, grow and develop the business and Flexilube brand in South Africa. Since then, the company has seen significant growth and the focus on sustainability, quality and innovation has led to the launch of a number of first-to-market products and services. Now, entering its 40th year of operation, Flexilube’s market leading product range, specialist technical expertise as well as value-added services continue to make a meaningful impact to each of their customers’ unique manufacturing requirements.
TIME: 12h00 – 12h20
TOPIC: Life cycle benefits of Columbus 3CR12 steel in mining applications in South Africa
Description
Speaker name & Bio
Douw Gangel – Columbus Stainless.
Douw Gangel is the Environmental Manager of Columbus Stainless, South Africa’s and Africa’s only producer of stainless steel flat products. He started his career at PPC Cement in Pretoria, fulfilling roles in quality assurance and process engineering before moving to the Raw Materials Section of Columbus Stainless in 2004. After 13 years of raw materials quality and production management, he took on the role of Environmental Manager as part of the SHE Department. Douw completed his BTech in Chemical Engineering at the Tshwane University of Technology and BTech (Quality) at Unisa.
TIME: 12h30 – 12h50
TOPIC: Strategies required for implementing successful Bulk Ore Sorting and Scanning and the benefits associated with this pioneering technology that is poised to change copper mining forever
Description
Speaker name & Bio
Rod Tayler – Head of Sales – NextOre Ltd.
Rod has been in the mining sector for over 15 years, first heading up the mining sales division for Komatsu Australia and then progressing to technology and data with Wenco Fleet management in the APAC region. While completing his EMBA, he managed the global sales and marketing function for Maptek and on completion of his degree, spent 4 years with Immersive Technology providing simulation training solutions to the mining sector.
Now Head of Sales with NextOre, Rod is heading up the global charge in introducing ‘Bulk Ore Sorting’ a pioneering technology to Copper and Iron ore mines that can provide a notable decrease in waste ore that is unnecessarily processed requiring the use of depleting and expensive water and varying energy supply for zero return. This new and proven technology also provides real time ore grade measurement and is a ‘game changer’ for the Copper/Iron ore industry having already been implemented and favored at several mines around the world
TIME: 13h00 – 13h20
TOPIC: Advanced technologies for direct lithium extraction
Description
Speaker name & Bio
Maxim Irishkin – Commercial director – Axionit.
Maxim received his PhD degree in physics from Aix-Marseille University, France. He has 15+ years of professional experience in innovations, technologies and business development. Maxim is a member of the Board of directors of Axion, a company developing metal extraction technologies, and responsible for the strategy and growth. Maxim develops sorbents and ion-exchange resins business at Krastsvetmet and Axion – Rare and Noble Metals companies. In his current role he is primarily focused on the use of sorbents in direct lithium extraction technologies. His goal is to develop and industrially implement an efficient and low-cost technology for lithium extraction. As an aside Maxim is passionate about innovation, technology and startups.
TIME: 13h30 – 13h50
TOPIC: Integration and efficiency of various energy sources on one site
Description
Power generation market is driven by a number of factors like environment, money, availability, regulations and knowledge.
For a successful project implementation all the drivers need to be addressed and achieved. New hybrid/PV projects allow for ‘free’ electricity when the conditions are favourable. A flexible ‘total site control system’ ensures that when the conditions change, other operational scenarios are put in place to ensure the most efficient use of the current power generation assets.
ComAp control system allows you to set your operational priorities based on the load demand, time of the day, load shedding schedule, cost of the electricity, availability and more through a simple software configuration.
On top, when diesel generators (back up or prime) are available on site, ComAp can introduce a dual-fuel system, combining gas and diesel to the existing generator/truck fleet, saving operational costs and CO2 emissions.
Speaker name & Bio
Marc Smit – Sales Manager for Southern Africa – ComAp.
Marc has been with ComAp since July 2022 as the Sales Manager Southern Africa. His primary responsibilities are to develop and execute strategic sales plans to achieve regional revenue targets and manage a team of sales representatives, providing guidance, training, and motivation to ensure performance targets were met or exceeded. Previous to this Marc has been with Schneider Electric, Vertiv SA and RT Systems. Marc who has a National Diploma Electrical Engineering from Wits Technicon. Marc sees himself as resourceful, someone who takes ownership of challenges and problems when they occur, someone who can work under pressure, multitask, and meet tight deadlines to make sure the company succeeds.
TIME: 14h00 – 14h20
TOPIC: Sustainability through Innovative Technologies in Fueling Automation and Mining
Description
Speaker name & Bio
Khulumani Mhlanga, Commercial Sales Director – Mining & Industry, Middle East & Africa at Gilbarco Veeder-Root.
Khulumani holds a master’s degree in business administration from the School of Business Leadership, a BCom Honours degree from the University of South Africa, a BBA in Marketing from the Institute of Marketing Management, and a Diploma in Electrical Engineering from The Polytechnic. Khulumani has extensive expertise in developing and implementing marketing strategies and ensuring operational excellence for mining organizations and energy conglomerates.
TIME: 14h30 – 14h50
TOPIC: Sustainability in the water sector
Description
Green Industrialization, Climate Finance, Carbon Markets, and Policy Changes are increasingly crucial post the Africa Climate Summit and COP28. What actions are we all taking following these declarations? How can the private sector contribute to sustainability beyond cost-saving measures? Companies must innovate, engage stakeholders, and prioritize reporting on people and the planet akin to profits to mitigate extreme weather impacts.
Aligning with the mining theme, Wilo in Africa focuses on addressing water access challenges and local pollution while extracting rare earth minerals through water stewardship efforts. This is part of the Group Sustainability Strategy that revolves around three focus areas; CREATING {SDG 6, 9, 13, 11}, CARING {SDG 8, 12, 13}, CONNECTING {SDG 6, 13, 18} and defines 10 key issues with specific goals.
What we realize from experience in Africa is that collaboration is key to addressing global challenges. By CONNECTING with stakeholders, sustainable impacts can be amplified through robust international partnerships. One important element in addressing water and sustainability in Africa is acknowledging the unique vulnerabilities of women and girls and providing linkages to SDGs 5 & 13 because of the pivotal role women and girls play in climate action.
Speaker name & Bio
Christine Amira, Sustainability Manager, Wilo Group.
Christine is a Dynamic Communications Specialist with 8+ experience years of success in analyzing, interpreting & manipulating statistical data resulting in improved marketing & communication strategies. Excels in forging transformational changes that deliver integrated and simplified solutions to challenges in the communications and marketing industry at lower costs. Exceptional professional with a knack for utilizing research and emotional intelligence to understand customers and translate that understanding into effective marketing and communication strategies. Contributed to annual corporate communications plans, strategies, and budget development for Rwanda Development Board, Wilo East Africa as well as other corporates, and assisted in initiating, streamlining, and prioritizing ongoing corporate communications programs.
Tuesday 3 September 2024
WOMEN/SKILLS DEVELOPMENT/ TRAINING AND SKILLS ADVANCEMENT TRENDS
TIME: 10h00 – 10h20
TOPIC: Future trends in engineering training for South Africa and the African continent.
Description
TBA
Speaker name & Bio
Dr Sean Douglas Jones – CEO – Artisan Training Institute.
Sean begun his career at African Explosives and Chemical Industries (AECI) in 1992. After leaving corporate employment, he consulted to industry in business strategy and strategic human resources management.
In 2007, Sean became a shareholder and CEO at the Artisan Training Institute (ATI). At the time of purchase the company employed 17 staff. Since 2007 the company has grown to employ 192 employees across three sites situated in Gauteng, Kimberley, and Kwa-Zulu Natal. ATI have built a reputation for providing quality engineering skills, training more than 2 000 engineering apprentices per annum. ATI have worked extensively in other African countries including Madagascar, Zambia, DRC, and Ghana.
Sean completed his PhD through the Gordon Institute of Business Science (2020), and his MBA through Cardiff University – Wales (1998).
TIME: 10h30 – 10h50
TOPIC: Empowering Engineers: Refining Expertise through Specialized SAIMechE Training
Description
In the ever-evolving landscape of engineering, continuous professional development is crucial to maintaining cutting-edge expertise and competitive advantage. This presentation explores the pivotal role of specialized training offered by Chempute Software who is accredited with the South African Institution of Mechanical Engineering (SAIMechE) in refining and enhancing the skills of engineers.
The session delves into the available courses and benefits of attending Chempute’s specialized training programs, showcasing our alignment with industry needs. We cater to chemical, mechanical, and computer-aided software training, covering plant design, pipe stress analysis, pressure vessel design, liquid piping systems / fluid flow software and more.
Join us to discover how Chempute’s specialized training can elevate your professional capabilities, skills development, and drive engineering excellence.
Speaker name & Bio
Lee-Anne Kylander – Training and Marketing Coordinator & Werner Theron – CAD Application Manager – Chempute Software.
Lee-Anne has been with Chempute Software for 10 years and been in her current position Marketing & Training coordinator for the last seven years. The phrase “fit-for-purpose” could not better describe her ambition towards content marketing. An energetic, top player with a marketing personality who loves connecting people to visuals and scheduling projects to the T!
She is also an Experienced Computer-Aided Design professional with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering software industry. Managing and coordinating a training center, her proven skillset creates effortless events ensuring the business can focus on delivering superior training services this resulted in a 90% class attendance for most classes. She is a strong information technology professional with a B.Com. Management Marketing degree. Werner has been with Chempute Software for 18 years.
TIME: 11h00 – 11h20
TOPIC: Evolution of the Mechanical Engineering Voluntary Association
Description
Literature review about Mechanical Engineering suggests that the profession emerged as a field during the Industrial revolution in Europe in the 18th century. Several authors also state that the development of Mechanical Engineering field can be traced back several thousand years around the world. With the South African Institution on Mechanical Engineering (SAIMechE), having been founded late in the 18th century, South Africa can be proud that we are on the right side of history on this matter.
This presentation will take the audience through total life of the SAIMechE, from its concept as the South African Association of Engineers and Architects, through its highs and lows, to where the Institution is at the moment. The presentation is promising to be a good platform to get the audience to reminisce about how Mechanical systems evolved over time. Of course, the evolution was because of hard-working individuals who did not hesitate to devote their energies to what mattered to the profession. It is for this reason that the presentation will also delft into what the presenter believes the country expects from the Mechanical Engineering Professionals of today, and how do we ensure that the SAIMechE mandate remains relevant and sustainability.
The presentation will conclude with how SAIMechE will continue to endeavour to find relevance in the bigger picture of the Engineering Profession.
Speaker name & Bio
Ramaesela Cillia Molomo-Mphephu.
Ms Cillia Molomo-Mphephu is an engineering and management professional registered with Engineering Council Of South Africa (ECSA). In addition to her Engineering qualifications, Ms Molomo-Mphephu also holds Business qualifications. She is currently a Director at Centre of Engineering Excellence Pty (Ltd), the company that she founded earlier in 2020. She previously held various other positions in the engineering industry within Armscor, City of Cape Town, Sasol, Department of Correctional Services and Denel.
She has over 30 years’ experience in the engineering profession, and has built a wealth of experience especially in the area of Engineering asset management. She has authored a number of publications on the subject of Physical Asset Management, and is currently focussed on positioning her company to be a game changer in Engineering Asset Management space.
TIME: 11h30 – 11h50
TOPIC: Simulation-Based Training in the Mining Industry
Description
Speaker name & Bio
Adi Stephan, Associate Partner, BSC Reality Science.
With more than 25 years’ experience in all aspects of Human Capital and Learning, Adi’s success is derived from his ability to develop and manage world-class solutions utilising the latest technologies and methodologies.
Equipped with an extensive background in human resources and information technology his skill lies in creating innovative solutions and environments that translate employee behaviours into high-impact outcomes.
For Learning initiatives to be successful, these outcomes must: enhance knowledge retention, be personalised to individual needs, foster collaborative, and social learning, offer an experience rather than an event, be totally strategically aligned, fit around the shape of work, and allow the individual to learn whenever, wherever and, however.
But most importantly be FUN and ENGAGING!
Originally from Windhoek Namibia, he currently resides with his wife and daughter on a smallholding in Midrand / Johannesburg.
TIME: 12h00 – 12h20
TOPIC: Mining security and the role of women and young professionals as technology advances
Description
Speaker name & Bio
Dave Rampersad, National Sales Manager – Syntell Group, Board Member – ASIS International South African chapter.
Dave is a sought-after security expert and a passionate sales veteran with vast knowledge & experience in the field of artificial intelligence. Dave has polished himself as a prolific public speaker who has reached audiences of hundreds of thousands of people on topics surrounding the security technology realm, he has spent the last decade building and cultivating business relationships with high-level executive committee and board members of the Top 100 JSE listed companies and SMEs through various vertical markets respectively.
Been in the industry for over a decade, he am quite a seasoned security expert affiliated to the W.S.F (World Security Federation) International Association of Auto Theft Investigators, he occasionally writes articles for the HI-Tech Security Africa magazine.
TIME: 12h30 – 12h50
TOPIC: Overview of Polytech Africa which provides world-class Mechatronics education and training to individuals and organisations across Africa and its importance within industrial automation.
Description
Speaker name & Bio
Astrid Straussner is the Managing Director of Polytech Africa.
Astrid has been with Polytech Africa since January 2015 and is responsible for turnkey consulting and projects with the Industrial Automation industry as well as running the Polytech-Africa Mechatronics Academy. Astrid holds the following qualifications: MSc – Master of Science and Technology of Education, Specialisation in Technology; B. Tech degree and a National Higher Diploma: Education Engineering Diploma: Light current – Electronics N6 Certificate: Light current – Electronics. She is also a member of the SAIMC as well as SACE.
TIME: 13h00 – 13h20
TOPIC: Opportunities in the Dutch Job Market for South African Specialists
Description
Speaker name & Bio
Anene Britz – IR Olav Globetrotters.
Anene, is a technical recruiter and talent management professional with 9 years’ of experience sourcing and securing talent for great businesses in South Africa and the Netherlands.
She has worked in Engineering, IT, Manufacturing, FMCG and Finance. With a passion for building relationships, she believes that her place is to help others find theirs, locally and internationally.
TIME: 13h30 – 13h50
TOPIC: Technology’s Role in Skill Development
Description
Speaker name & Bio
Christabel Phiri, Mechanical Engineering Lecturer, Engineering Institute of Technology.
Christabel has a BTech in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from UNISA as well as a Masters in Philosophy from the University of Johannesburg. She joined EIT in 2023 and is currently a Mechanical Engineering lecturer. Previously she was with the African Academy for the Built Environment. Christine is an individual who believes in working hard to achieve her goals. She is an ambitious, self-motivated person and always prides herself in being dedicated to her ability of working well under pressure and still producing work in the most accurate manner. Moreover, she works well in a team, with impeccable time management skills, ensuring to always meet deadlines. She looks for opportunities which provide career advancement, with the chance to use and contribute her skills and theoretical knowledge in a practical space. Most importantly, Christine looks for an environment where she will be afforded the chance to learn and grow professionally and as an individual.
TIME: 14h00 – 14h20
TOPIC: Local emerging trends - how to build your skills in line with these trends.
Description
Speaker name & Bio
Elihle Obi – Global Marketing Director – Schneider Electric, Anglophone Africa.
With two decades of success in B2B and B2C sectors across diverse industries in Africa, she is a seasoned Integrated Marketing, Brand, and communications executive-level leader. Her expertise is crafting and executing high-impact strategies, fostering market growth, and driving revenue impact.
Her executive tenure at Microsoft, Samsung Africa, Neotel/Liquid Telecom, and Mercedes-Benz South Africa has been marked by innovation and measurable impact. She has led game-changing initiatives that have resulted in revenue surges and significant market share expansions. Her leadership at Mercedes-Benz SA earned her the prestigious ‘Woman of Value Award for Passion.’
Known for sculpting brand perceptions, building lasting relationships, and delivering measurable results, Elihle brings a wealth of proven expertise to any global organization. Her track record of success instils confidence in her abilities and her commitment to excellence.
TIME: 14h30 – 14h50
TOPIC: Fiber Optic Distributed Sensing System for Monitoring of Tailings Storage Facilities
Description
Speaker name & Bio
Roberto Walder, Sales Engineer and Business Development Manager at SMARTEC SA.
Roberto has been with SMARTEC SA in Switzerland (Fiber Optic sensors and Structural Health Monitoring solutions) since 1999. In his position he has been dedicated to developing business and promote monitoring solutions within the Oil & Gas and Chemicals industry, the Structural & Geotechnical Monitoring, and the Mining industry.
Wednesday 4 September 2024
SAFETY DAY INCORPORATING THE LIFTING INDUSTRY, FOCUS ON OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY, MINING AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY DAY.
TIME: 10h00 – 10h20
TOPIC: Challenges in implementing explosives tracking and tracing solutions for manufacturers and end users
Description
The introduction of legal regulations on the Track & Trace of explosives in the South African Republic demonstrates the commitment to enhancing safety in using explosives. By implementing Track & Trace systems, the government aims to monitor and control the movement of explosives, ensuring their proper handling, storage, and disposal.
These regulations play a crucial role in preventing illegal activities, enhancing security measures, and mitigating risks associated with the use of explosives. In addition, by requiring manufacturers, distributors, and end users to implement Track & Trace solutions, the South African Republic can establish a comprehensive system that tracks the entire life cycle of explosives.
This presents a significant challenge to manufacturers, distributors, and end users of civil explosives.
The new legal regime for tracking civil explosives requires implementing technical and software systems to cope with this task. Already ten years ago, European users and manufacturers faced the same task.
The presentation will highlight each target group’s typical problems, describe how they were overcome, and draw lessons learned.
This will include specific requirements for manufacturers. Their challenge is to ensure the labeling of explosives and the collection of the associated data, to forward them securely to distributors and end users and not to allow any loss of productivity in the process.
For distributors, inventory management must be ensured while simultaneously capturing and processing explosives data.
At the end of the supply chain end users are faced with the task of meeting regulatory requirements with stable systems under all working conditions. Therefore, the focus must be on the usability of the systems without changing proven workflows too much.
In summary, the introduction of a tracking system and solution enables ever-better control of the explosives’ life cycle and, thus, a decisive improvement in safety.
Speaker name & Bio
Marc Olbort – Head of Sales & Marketing – Dresden Informatik and TTE Europe Team.
Marc Olbort is part of the Dresden Informatik and TTE Europe Team and works as their Head of Sales & Marketing. Marc was born in 1995 in Germany. After successfully completing high school in 2015 and a one-year Work-and-Travel visit, he began a dual study program in 2015. He studied business administration. He completed his studies in September 2018 with a Bachelor degree. Afterwards he starts working for a recycling company and became responsible for the external layers. Next to this job, a further master’s degree became the new objective. In December 2020 and after successful completion of the master’s degree the business focus changed to the IT area in which he started as a sales employee for the company Dresden Informatik and TTE Europe. Internal sales, activities and purchasing were initially part of his area of responsibility here. In addition, he also took care of working for multiple projects of TTE and acted for both companies. Today Marc is responsible for the hardware business of both companies. Since 2022 he has also been active in partner management at TTE Europe and has supported this business area since then. From 2024 on Marc is responsible for the Sales & Marketing business area and its team at TTE and Dresden Informatik.
TIME: 10h30 – 10h50
TOPIC: Vetting LMIs (Lifting Machine Inspectors) and LMEs (Lifting Machine Entities)
Description
Speaker name & Bio
Kyle Graham – Director – LEEASA.
Kyle is a multiskilled marketing director with an in-depth knowledge and passion for business and the lifting industry. He has a Bachelor of Commerce, Marketing Degree with Cum Laude from Varsity College. Kyle is a true entrepreneur and has the ability to understand and comprehend complex business scenarios which enables him to formulate business strategies to ensure the best performance.
He has in-depth knowledge of legal legislation, technical standards and the running of the lifting industry. His goal is to formalize the lifting industry again and ensure risks are mitigated on site and safety is never compromised on.
TIME: 11h00 – 11h20
TOPIC: Safety Culture & Safety Climate: Which comes first?
Description
Speaker name & Bio
Johann Kruger – Simpology Group CEO.
Johann is a skilled and experienced senior Project Manager that is passionate about system technology and process optimization in general. He thrives on overcoming challenges and is highly delivery focused. He has been involved in related projects in mainly the natural resources, metals and other engineering sectors for more than 20 years during which time he developed into a strong team player with natural leadership ability.
His degree in Metallurgical Engineer and deep skills in Industrial Process Optimization and Knowledge Management makes him a specialist in the selection, design, implementation and integration of Advanced Control, Operational Management Information and Process Optimization Systems.
TIME: 11h30 – 11h50
TOPIC: Standardisation and contractors
Description
Speaker name & Bio
Chris Coetzee, director and owner of OHSS Consulting which has been in operation since 2017 specialising in safety management systems as well as internal training development programs for companies.
With over 10 years of experience in Occupational Health & Safety and accredited in ISO9001, ISO 14001, ISO45001 as well as being a lead SHERQ manager and auditor, his focus is on sustainable systems that are developed to change the behaviour of safety.
Chris has completed a Level 6 NQF NEBOSH International Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety Management, a fully-integrated ISO Management Course in ISO9001 | ISO 14001 | ISO 45001 and his ISO 19011 Auditor Course.
TIME: 12h00 – 12h20
TOPIC: Digital document and compliance management for Health and Safety
Description
Speaker name & Bio
Steven Jeffery – Strategic Business Development Manager – Saryx Engineering Group.
Steven has been active in the Manufacturing Industry space for more than 40 years in position ranging from maintenance and technical support to Project Management and Business Management. At this time of enabling digital technology, his focus is helping companies understand how to best use technology to collaborate and share information effectively and securely.
TIME: 12h30 – 12h50
TOPIC: The invisible dilemma – exploring the effects of hearing loss
Description
Speaker name & Bio
Ms Katri Mulder– Audiologist – H.A.S.S. Group.
Katri is an Audiologist and training facilitator with the Eduplex Training Institute Katri has been with Eduplex Training Institute since March 2022.
Previous to that she spent 5 years with A van der Merwe Inc. as a Clinical Audiologist doing diagnostic audiology assessments and management on adults as well as children. Katri spent her Community Service at the Department of Health: Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital as an audiologist doing diagnostic audiology assessments and management on adults as well as children including aural rehabilitation therapy at Carel du Toit Centre in Bloemfontein.
TIME: 13h00 – 13h20
TOPIC: Indoor & Underground Positioning for Worker and Site Safety
Description
Ensuring the safety of workers in the mining industry is a critical and complex challenge. Guardian, an advanced safety solution by Epic Blue, addresses these challenges with cutting-edge indoor and underground positioning technology designed to enhance worker and site safety. This presentation will highlight the transformative impact of Guardian’s innovative capabilities on mining operations.
Mining environments, particularly tunnels and underground sites, are notorious for their lack of GPS signal, making traditional GPS systems ineffective. Guardian’s Hyper Location engine overcomes this limitation by integrating GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and an AI-powered inertial engine. This multifaceted approach ensures precise and reliable positioning, crucial for maintaining operational awareness and responding swiftly to emergencies.
Guardian’s real-time tracking capabilities provide continuous monitoring of worker safety, crucial for timely interventions in case of incidents. Automated alerts, including fall detection, man-down alerts, and impact detection, ensure that emergencies are quickly addressed, reducing the risk of injuries and enhancing overall safety.
Additionally, Guardian is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing safety protocols and systems. Its adaptability ensures that as operational needs evolve, the safety solution can be customized and scaled accordingly, providing a comprehensive and future-proof safety net.
This presentation will demonstrate how Guardian’s advanced positioning and safety features are revolutionizing safety standards in the mining industry. Join us to explore how Guardian’s technology can significantly reduce risks and enhance the efficiency and safety of mining operations.
Speaker name & Bio
Michael Illsbroux – CEO and co-founder – Epic Blue.
Michael has dedicated his 25+ year career to providing mission-critical situational awareness solutions for security, first responders, and workers at risk. As a co-founder of Epic Blue, Michael and his team lead efforts to deploy artificial intelligence (AI)-powered technologies that enable the three-dimensional (3D) tracking and personal safety protection of first responders in environments where global positioning system (GPS) signals are unavailable.
TIME: 13h30 – 13h50
TOPIC: Technology choices for safer mining
Description
Speaker name & Bio
Tim Walwyn, CEO, Innomotics South Africa.
Tim Walwyn has been the CEO of Innomotics since June 2023, previously he led the Siemens Large Drives organisation in South Africa since 2018. With more than 20 years of experience developing Siemens solutions for a range of vertical industries including mining, oil and gas, cement, paper,
chemical and intralogistics, Tim has a wealth of experience in the changing technology landscape faced by industry in the 21st century.
Tim has travelled widely throughout Africa in the course of his time with Siemens, and is passionate about using Siemens world-class technology and global network of expertise to find solutions that meet the challenges faced by plant operators on the continent.
He believes in the power of technology and people to help Africa to develop its resources in a sustainable, equitable and efficient way for the benefit of all stakeholders. Tim studied industrial engineering at the University of Stellenbosch and holds a Masters degree in Engineering Management from the University of the
Witwatersrand.
Thursday 5 September 2024
INNOVATION DAY - ALL THAT’S NEW IN MACHINERY, PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGY. NEW PRODUCTS, VOTED TOP 10 BY SACEEC
TIME: 10h00 – 10h20
TOPIC: Integrating autonomous tire inspections and AI to improve safety, uptime and inspection compliance
Description
Speaker name & Bio
Christian Erdelyi – Manager, Mining Technology Solutions for Kal Tire Mining Tire Group.
Co-presenter:
Tim Snell, CEO, Pitcrew
Christian brings over twenty years of expertise to mining and energy, focusing on asset and fleet management. He’s adept at spearheading EAM and CMMS initiatives, enhancing mining operations with technology solutions. At Kal Tire Mining Tire Group, he’s implementing an HxGn EAM system with IoT and AI technologies, including an advanced AI-driven thermal vision inspection for vehicle monitoring.
Tim Snell is the Co-Founder and CEO of Pitcrew AI, a leading technology company specialising in Autonomous Inspection Systems, offering real-time solutions for heavy fleet maintenance. Hailing from Newcastle, NSW, Tim brings extensive expertise, combined with a Master of Business Administration and more than two decades of combined engineering and business management experience. During his tenure as Director of Industrial Control and Monitoring Systems, Tim envisioned an innovative approach to enhancing safety and sustainability in the mining industry through an advanced OTR (Off-the-Road) tyre monitoring system. This vision culminated in the creation of Pitcrew AI, driven by the mission to safeguard people, minimise downtime, and optimise profitability on mine sites across the globe. Alongside his co-founders, Tim now leads a team of 23 and has experienced a period of rapid growth, forming partnerships to firmly embed them within the global mining landscape.
TIME: 10h30 – 10h50
TOPIC: Industry 4 IIOT Smart Digitization Solutions for the MINING Industry
Description
TBA
Speaker name & Bio
Amit Agarwal – Managing Director of Xcell International FZE, Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates.
Amit is an Engineer (BE) with specialization in Industrial Production with over 20 years of experience in the field of Cement industry, Mining industry and other process industries. Mainly responsible for business development in the MENA and European region by incorporation business strategies, evaluating the market condition and establish strong business relationship with customers
TIME: 11h00 – 11h20
TOPIC: RTV Silicone Coatings - Making Infrastructure Maintenance Easier
Description
Speaker name & Bio
Matt Saunders – Application Development Specialist – CSL Silicones Inc.
Matt is a AMPP certified coating inspector with almost 15 years experience in the field of protective coatings. He has managed projects in North and South America, Europe and Asia over this time for various coatings companies and has been with CSL Silicones for over 9years. He also has a certification as a NACE Corrosion Technologist and protective coatings technician. Matt has a diploma in electro-mechanical engineering from George Brown College in Toronto Canada and holds the designation as a certified engineering technician in Canada. He specializes in atmospheric coatings as well as various below grade applications.
TIME: 11h30 – 11h50
TOPIC: Enhancing Efficiency and Reducing Carbon Footprint: The Future of Electric Motors in Mining
Description
Speaker name & Bio
Fanie Steyn, LV & HV Motor Executive, WEG Africa.
Fanie Steyn currently serves as the LV and HV Executive for the Electric Motor division at WEG Africa, situated in South Africa. In this role, Fanie oversees the WEG Motor Business, encompassing Proposals, Geared Motors, Technical Support, and Project departments. Fanie effectively manages a dynamic WEG team, consistently achieving outstanding results.
TIME: 12h00 – 12h20
TOPIC: Transforming Mining Operations: The Power of Intelligent Solutions
Description
Join us at Electra Mining 2024 for an insightful presentation on the transformative impact of smart technology in the mining sector. Titled “Transforming Mining Operations: The Power of Intelligent Solutions,” this session will feature Synertech’s state-of-the-art IoT and RFID technologies, engineered to significantly enhance safety, efficiency, and operational effectiveness in mining environments.
Synertech’s Traxsense platform boasts advanced tracking and analytics capabilities, offers a robust suite of solutions for real-time asset management, comprehensive lifecycle reporting, and critical event monitoring. Our technologies are designed to optimize both above-ground and underground mining operations, providing unparalleled insights and operational control.
Through live demonstrations and detailed case studies, this session will illustrate how our intelligent solutions enable seamless system integration, improve decision-making processes, and deliver tangible improvements in mining operations. Attendees will gain a deep understanding of how Synertech is leading the way in advancing the mining industry with innovative, connected solutions. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the future of mining technology and its potential to drive your operations forward.
Speaker name & Bio
Rob Penney – Programme Manager – Synertech (Pty) Ltd.
Rob enlisted in the South African Air Force in 1985 where he pursued a highly successful career spanning 11 years as a
technical specialist involved in the operation of a wide range of systems and technological applications used for the management of aircraft reliability, availability and maintainability.
During his career in the SAAF he gained a number of formal technical and tertiary qualifications, including logistics management and a national diploma in technology. After leaving the air force in 1996 he joined AMS as a project manager responsible for the development and delivery of avionic systems to customers throughout the aviation industry.
After six years in the private avionics industry he was invited to join a group of companies that offered computer related
consultancy, research and development, and support services. During a period of 10 years he served the group as chief
technical officer and as a project manager involved in the delivery of internationally recognised, award winning enterprise
systems and solutions focused on areas such as the centralised life-cycle management of IT infrastructure and safety systems.
Subsequently he joined Synertech where, as the organisation’s executive programme manager, he assumes responsibility
for the delivery of turnkey RFID solutions to all customers.
TIME: 12h30– 12h50
TOPIC: Sustainable future for Hybrid Power Systems: The balance between capital investments and operation costs.
Description
Speaker name & Bio
Bernard Mitton currently serves as a Business Development Consultant for WEG Africa.
He primarily focusses on Power Plants Solutions and the integration to the power network with a passion for developing engineered solutions that are practical, sustainable and efficient. Bernard is registered as a Professional Electrical Engineer with in depth experience in engineering designs, calculations and commissioning of substations, power plants and mobiles solutions.
TIME: 13h00 – 13h20
TOPIC: FLS Technology and innovation in mining: updating the MissionZero Mine
Description
This presentation will focus on FLS’s technology and innovations updating the MissionZero mine. The presentation will discuss FLS’s efforts to reduce energy, water consumption, and carbon emissions in the mining industry through innovation and technology collaborations. Copper is essential for a vast array of decarbonizing technologies and has the potential to account for two-thirds of global greenhouse gas emissions’ abatement by 2050. The copper industry is actively working to reduce these emissions.
FLS is investing in Research & Development to develop technologies that support its MissionZero strategy. The company has developed eco-efficient technologies such as Rail-Running Belt Conveyors and Reflux Flotation Cell. FLSmidth’s next-generation technologies include HPGR Pro and SummitPro™ Self-Cleaning Electrowinning Cell. These technologies aim to reduce energy consumption, increase efficiency, and support the MissionZero strategy.
Speaker name & Bio
Alistair McKay, Vice President for Mining, Europe, Arabia and Africa, FLS (FLSmidth).
Alistair has led FLSmidth’s mining business in the Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East, and South Asia region since May 2019, and more recently as the Head of Capital Sales for Europe, Arabia, and Africa, with an established track record in business development and project execution, spanning mega infrastructure, mining, and commercial projects globally. Leveraging his experience as the end user of mineral processing technology, he is focused on driving sustainable solutions as the productivity partner to the mining industry.
Alistair has the following qualifications, a BSc Honors in Structural Engineering and he is a Registered Professional Engineer and has also completed the Executive Leadership Program, University of Texas at Austin
TIME: 13h30 – 13h50
TOPIC: The IBEX Steep Angle Conveyor and its benefits
Description
Speaker name & Bio
Claus Butter, Technical Director – Mining, KOCH Solutions GmbH
Claus has been with KOCH Solutions since June 2019. Previously Claus was with FLS as Technical Manager Research & Development as well as Sandvik. Claus has been responsible for a number of inventions as well as development and was the lead engineer for various machine developments.
TIME: 14h00 – 14h20
TOPIC: Innovation in High Pressure for the Mining Sector
Description
In this informative presentation, CEMSA’s CTO John Rudman will discuss the importance of continuously Innovating new high pressure cleaning solutions for the mining industry. The importance of cleaning has never been more apparent as it is these days, even in industrial applications. This need has driven companies to continuously innovate, finding new ways to improve reliability and ease of service on equipment.
Although South Africa has traditionally imported this type of equipment there is a growing trend to locally manufacture recently. John will discuss the advantages of local manufacturing versus importing high pressure equipment for the African market.
Speaker name & Bio
John Rudman, Chief Technical Officer, Cleaning Equipment Manufacturing SA.
John is one of a select few people who can truly say he has worked his way up within his industry. Starting at a young age he has been involved in all departments before finding his true calling within the technical field.
Now with over 15 years of experience in the industrial cleaning equipment industry John’s passion for advancing the design of cleaning equipment is constantly growing as he delves deeper into the high-pressure cleaning segment
TIME: 14h30 – 14h50
TOPIC: The challenges African mining companies face managing complex power issues
Description
Speaker name & Bio
Manoli Yannaghas, Co-Founder and MD of VoltVision.
Before setting up VoltVision is 2020, Manoli was the CEO of an AIM listed lithium mining company in Madagascar and of a publicly listed exploration and gold mining company in Colombia and Africa.
TIME: 10h00 – 10h20
TOPIC: On-site machining industry applications
Description
Speaker name & Bio
Nkosana Ncaba – Managing Director – Total Onsite Machining Solutions.
Nkosana Ncaba is an on site machining specialist with over 17 years of experience from starting his career at Eskom Rotek Industries to later being a co-founder of a company known as Total Onsite Machining Solutions. He heads Total Onsite Machining Solutions a company that specialises in the use of portable machine tools, offering on site machining solutions within the country and continent. Nkosana actively engages with industry peers and professionals through platforms like LinkedIn, where he shares where he shares insights on onsite machining processes and their potential to transform various industries. He is registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa as a Professional Engineering Technologist and is currently a PhD Candidate at the University of Johannesburg. He is a seasoned professional and experienced having worked for the public and private sector to now heading a business.
TIME: 10h30 – 10h50
TOPIC: The South African Institution of Mechanical Engineering Overview
Description
Speaker name & Bio
Uncel Mhelembe – Chief Executive Officer SAIMechE. Uncel graduated with a BTech in Mechanical Engineering from the Vaal University of Technology and did not stop there.
He holds an MEng in Mechanical Engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand, an MBA from North-west University and a Government Certificate of Competency for Mechanical Engineers. He is registered as a Pr Tech Eng and Pr Cert Eng with the Engineering Council of South Africa as well as a registered member of the South African Institution of Mechanical Engineering (MSAIMechE). Uncel worked at Eskom Rotek Industries as a Design/Works Engineer. Furthermore, He was appointed by Wärtsilä as a Mechanical Engineer and held GMR2(1) appointment for the Sasol Gas Engine Power Plant (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction), before starting his own consulting engineering company. Through his company, he held GMR2(1) responsibilities for various municipalities and worked on various government and municipality projects as well as the private sector. Currently, Uncel is employed as a Chief Executive Officer for the South African Institution of Mechanical Engineering. He is responsible for attaining SAIMechE strategic objectives and serving the interests of SAIMechE members.
TIME: 11h00 – 12h00
TOPIC: The state of the local manufacturing and mining industries and how the economy is affecting these industries
Eric Bruggeman
Matimba Mahange
Terry Pearce
Miyenlani Maluleke
Description
Speaker name & Bio
Eric Bruggeman, CEO of the South African Capital Equipment Export Council & Matimba Mahange, MEMSA Board Member and CEO of JA Engineering,
Terry Pearce, Managing Director at ABC Ventilation Systems SA and Miyelani Maluleke – Economist from ABSA.
Eric Bruggeman is the Managing Director at Bruggeman Consulting, Ltd and has been Chairman of the Board at SACEEC from 2010 to 2017 and Managing Director APE Pumps (Pty) Ltd from 1997 to 2007.
He completed his studies at the University of Johannesburg in Engineering & Mechanical, (1977 – 1981) and is a member of Rotary and SANCA. Eric is the CEO of the South African Capital Equipment Export Council and is passionate about South Africa; its past and its future, its difficulties and its potential. A mechanical engineer with a wealth of experience, who has works for the AfDB and the World Bank on the economics of machinery and equipment. He is a lover of wildlife and the African bush and is a keen nature conservationist.
Matimba is the Chief Executive Officer of JA Engineering Works (Pty) Ltd, bringing over two decades of extensive experience to the role.
His career is marked by a remarkable versatility, having contributed to key sectors including Mining (Anglo), Chemicals (Sasol Synfuels), Automotive (BMW), and Mining OEMs (Joy Global & Barloworld). His scale of expertise and leadership earned him a seat on the board of MEMSA in 2024. He holds a BSc in Electrical Engineering from the University of Natal-Durban and has further honed his leadership skills with a Program in Business Leadership and a Master’s in Business Leadership (MBL) from Unisa Business School of Leadership, South Africa. Matimba’s passion lies in fostering manufacturing excellence and driving industrialization within the Southern Africa region. His visionary leadership and commitment to innovation have been instrumental in positioning JA Engineering as a leader in the industry. His dedication to advancing the sector led him to join MEMSA, where he continues to champion the growth and development of the mining equipment manufacturing industry.
Terry Pearce has over 30 years’ experience in the mining industry, specifically focused on mine ventilation. Terry is presently employed as the Managing Director of ABC Ventilation Systems South Africa and ABC Africa. ABC Ventilation Systems is a manufacturer of underground mining ventilation products that focuses on technology innovation and cost saving in the mine ventilation industry.
With 10 years in his current role, he has experience leading high-performance teams, developing business strategies and driving profitability. He is results- oriented, with a proven track record of successful business growth and process improvement. Terry implemented innovative sales strategies to increase conversion rates, optimised operation processes to reduce costs and spearheaded product launch campaigns.
Terry has fostered a culture with a strong commitment to promoting locally manufactured goods that meet world-class standards at ABC. The company has demonstrated expertise in identifying and developing high-quality products that resonate in both local and international markets. The group has a proven track record of collaborating with diverse teams to enhance production processes, ensure compliance with global industry standards while encouraging sustainable practices. With Terry at the lead, ABC is passionate about showcasing the potential of locally manufactured goods and driving industry innovation.
Miyelani Maluleke is a Senior Economist and leads the South Africa Macroeconomics team at Absa. The Macroeconomics team has been rated top at the JSE Spire Awards for the last six years, and in February 2024 was named Most accurate Forecaster for South Africa at the LSEG Starmine Forecaster Awards. Miyelani has been a professional economist for 13 years, having joined the bank in 2013, prior to which he was a senior policy analyst at the National Treasury.
TIME: 12h00 – 12h20
TOPIC: Status of the manufacturing industry and the problem it faces
Description
Speaker name & Bio
Eric Bruggeman, CEO of the South African Capital Equipment Export Council.
Eric Bruggeman is the Managing Director at Bruggeman Consulting, Ltd and has been Chairman of the Board at SACEEC from 2010 to 2017 and Managing Director APE Pumps (Pty) Ltd from 1997 to 2007. He completed his studies at the University of Johannesburg in Engineering & Mechanical, (1977 – 1981) and is a member of Rotary and SANCA
Eric is the Chairman of the South African Capital Equipment Export Council and is passionate about South Africa; its past and its future, its difficulties and its potential. A mechanical engineer with a wealth of experience, who has works for the AfDB and the World Bank on the economics of machinery and equipment. He is a lover of wildlife and the African bush and is a keen nature conservationist.
* PROGRAM SUBJECT TO CHANGE. THE ORGANISER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THE PROGRAM.
