Stakeholders in mining sector host successful conference
The first ever North West Province Technical Suppliers Day hosted on Thursday, 19 October at the Potchefstroom Country Club was a resounding success as numerous stakeholders in the mining sector joined in informative discussions.
The first ever North West Province Technical Suppliers Day hosted on Thursday, 19 October at the Potchefstroom Country Club was a resounding success as numerous stakeholders in the mining sector joined in informative discussions.
MEMSA (Mining Equipment Manufacturers of South Africa) and HPS (Hydropower Systems) hosted this event which is the first in a series of country mining supply chain development days.
The day included an introduction to clustering, and unpacked the value of cooperation and collaboration in the growth and stability of the NW Provinces mining equipment ecosystem.
Photos: Supplied
Speakers on the day included, Jan-Harm Badenhorst of the NWU, who elaborated on how collaboration between industry and academia can promote continued technology advancement and innovation.
Mr. Davis Sadike, Project Executive at the North West Development Corporation elaborated on how mines are increasingly driving local sourcing in an effort to uplift the immediate areas around the mines. He also touched on diversifying employments and various skills.
MEMSA CEO Mr. Lehlohonolo Molloyi and Test Mine Steering Committee Member shared with the audience a presentation on the Mandela Mining Precinct Test Mine, a facility located at Royal Bafokeng Platinum, Maseve Mine. The aim is to provide an infrastructure where new technologies and equipment could be tested in a dedicated real-life environment.
A panel discussion was also held during the event. The panel included, Mr. Lesibana Ramaoka – Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) – Senior Dealmaker: Small Business Finance, Maarten van Jaarsveld – HPS MD, Cornell van der Merwe – Mine Manager at Harmony Moab Khotsong , Marius van Heerden – Engineering Manager at Harmony Moab Khotsong Mine, Ms. Mpopi Khupe of Zevoli Business Partners and Itumeleng Matlhakoane – Contracts Administrator at Moab Khotsong.
Attendees also enjoyed a quick game of 9-hole golf at the Potchefstroom Country Club where extra networking and various opportunities in the mining sector were discussed.
