Spotlight on Minerals to Metals: mining for the future

The mine of the future
“I think instead of seeking endless automation, we need to
ask ourselves: for whom are we mining?
“People need to be put back into the heart of the mining
model because mining is central to human activity,” says
Petersen of the ideal mine of the future.
“Good practice – in processing mined minerals and
metals, and manufacturing goods from them – involves
incorporating a number and variety of smaller enterprises.
This leads to more medium-scale industry,” he continues.
“This in turn creates integrated and adaptable communities
in which the original mine provides just one element of
thriving business infrastructure.”
Broadhurst agrees. “The ideal mine of the future would be
a mine not only for the people but also with them.
“The mining industry has made great strides in the way
it thinks about sustainable mining practices, but much
remains to be done and none of it is possible without good
governance. Right now, there is an understandable trust
deficit in mining in Africa, but in the future, I believe we can
remedy this if we ensure that mining is cleaner, greener and
more socially acceptable.”
Growing T-shaped leaders
PHOTOGRAPH: DOKUMOL/PIXABAY
Minerals to Metals strives to fast-track the development
of students as T-shaped individuals who have a depth of
disciplinary knowledge coupled with a broad perspective.
“Society can’t wait a lifetime for this perspective
to be developed. We need young people who have an
understanding of how to work in multi-stakeholder
groups if we are to solve the complex problems facing
humanity,” says UCT Associate Professor Jennifer
Broadhurst.
The Minerals to Metals Initiative at UCT offers three
educational programmes:
• An MPhil specialising in sustainable mineral
resource development. This course is a
transdisciplinary and inter-institutional, researchbased degree offered through the Minerals to Metals
Research Initiative in the UCT Department of
Chemical Engineering. It combines qualitative
and quantitative research methods in a two-year
course covering sustainable development, strategic
social engagement and environmental stewardship in
mining and minerals.
• Leaders in Extractives and African Development
(LEAD). The LEAD programme promises to equip a
new generation of African mining professionals
with skills needed to become leaders in the
responsible extraction of minerals in Africa.
• Upcoming: postgraduate programme in mineral
resource governance. Minerals to Metals and UCT
are working to develop a new blended (online and
on-campus) master’s degree and short courses in
resource economics and law, environmental
protection and community development aimed
specifically at an African audience. This work is
supported by the University of Massachusetts in
the United States.
umthombo 31

Paperturn flip book system