**South Africa**: The Mining Indaba highlights the need for collaboration in achieving environmental, social, and governance objectives for 2030, amidst challenging mining conditions. BME’s Ralf Hennecke emphasises the importance of modern technologies in promoting sustainable practices within the mining sector.
The Mining Indaba has emerged as a significant platform for discussing the future of the mining sector in Africa, particularly regarding its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives for 2030. Ralf Hennecke, the Managing Director of BME, highlighted the need for closer collaboration within Africa’s mining ecosystem to achieve these ambitious targets.
During the event, Hennecke acknowledged the challenging mining conditions prevalent in countries like South Africa, particularly the deep and complex ore deposits, which complicate efforts to adhere to ESG mandates. “Achieving these targets is not made any easier by the demanding mining conditions in countries such as South Africa,” he stated.
The event underscored notable progress in making mining more inclusive, notably in areas such as procurement, skills development, and community upliftment. As a key player in blasting and explosives for the mining sector, BME is dedicated to enhancing its own ESG initiatives in alignment with those of its customers. Hennecke stressed that collaboration among all stakeholders—regulators, communities, suppliers, and shareholders—is essential.
He pointed out that mining companies are adapting their operating models to align with ESG standards, establishing not only their own targets but also ensuring that their supply chain partners contribute effectively. This requirement is increasingly reflected in tendering practices, where prospective bidders must demonstrate their commitment to meeting industry ESG benchmarks.
With regards to net zero carbon commitments, Hennecke remarked that the mining ecosystem’s various entities will find it challenging to achieve the necessary milestones if stakeholders do not work collectively. The advancement and application of environmental technology, along with the use of digital tools for ongoing performance measurement, will be crucial in this endeavour.
Energy consumption reduction has been identified as a direct route to lowering carbon footprints, particularly in regions like South Africa, where coal-fired electricity is prevalent. Innovations in blasting technology, including emulsions and electronic initiation systems, have been developed to facilitate energy savings while meeting strict environmental standards.
Ongoing advancements in blasting technologies are contributing to a more sustainable mining landscape. Hennecke highlighted the benefits arising from electronic detonation systems, noting that they allow for more precise and efficient blasting operations. These modern techniques result in larger and more controlled blasts, minimising disruptions and thereby streamlining the overall mining process.
The improvements in rock fragmentation lead to reduced energy demands in the subsequent phases of loading and crushing. This process optimisation is further enhanced by the use of blast planning software, which has observable benefits for energy efficiency and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Data management is described as a pivotal element in optimising mining operations. Advancements in technologies for data collection and analysis enable the entire ecosystem to track progress and focus on areas requiring attention. Hennecke expressed enthusiasm for the positive impacts of digital and other modern technologies, anticipating continued adoption across the mining value chain.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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