Education, training and professional development in the South African mining sector as it pertains to the sustainable future of mining
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17159/Abstract
Current mining strategies need to be reviewed to ensure longevity of operations by enabling deep level mining, extraction of complex ore bodies, improvements in health and safety as well as efficient use of water and energy. This strategic change will require effective use of current technologies, deployment of new technologies, mechanisation, remote operations and/or automation. Upskilling of the workforce will inherently play a major role in this transformation of the mining and minerals sector (MMS) into modern mines.
In this paper, historical overviews for the period 2004-2016; and the current state of education, training and professional development in the MMS will be addressed. A forecast will be made of new or future skills for the current top ten professional, vocational, technical and academic learning (PIVOTAL) occupations in the MMS. The PIVOTAL occupations are job categories which are periodically identified and ranked by the Mining Qualifications Authority’s (MQA) based on their scarcity and critical nature according to information received from regional and national stakeholders.
New skill sets forecasted include higher proficiency in using mining software; ability to operate, maintain and manage new technologies or related work systems; understanding fundamental principles of automation and remote operations; and big data analysis. Further co-ordinated and collaborative extensive research in identifying these future skills is required. Intervention strategies, particularly the development of new learning programmes, for immediately addressing the skills gaps due to these technological advances are recommended.
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