Modern Mining August 2019

MINE AUTOMATION

have already been well demonstrated at existing operations such as Grootegeluk, where the average ex-pit tonnes pro- duced per shift has been improved by 5 % since the introduction of the Ops-Eye. On the subject of whether digitalisa- tion – and automation – will result in job losses, Mnisi says the focus is on cut- ting costs and improving productivity rather than reducing Exxaro’s headcount. “Certain jobs do disappear with digitalisa- tion but this is counter balanced by others emerging,” he explains. “In general, the numbers will tend to stay the same but the workforce will, over time, change in character, as we will need better-edu- cated people with more technical skills. Some exciting career paths will open up. As regards automation, our view is that this will empower our people. The use of ‘digital employees’ will allow them to refo- cus their energies from routine, repetitive tasks to more challenging and fulfilling work that can grow the business.” He points out that Exxaro has involved its work- force at every stage of its digital journey, with the ‘Digital@Exxaro Show & Tell’ events being particularly successful in informing employees on the progress of digitalisation within the group. The one attended by Modern Mining recently had several hundred participants (including union representatives), with teams from each mine sharing their ‘learnings’ with colleagues from other mines. As Modern Mining was able to observe, the level of enthusiasm was huge and the commitment to working smarter and better unequivocal. Finally, it is worth mentioning that Exxaro’s digital credentials are not only in evidence at its mines but also at its newly opened 18 000 m 2 head office in Centurion, known as the conneXXion, which accom- modates around 650 employees. Exxaro CEO Mxolisi Mgojo has described the building as the physical manifestation of the group’s drive towards innovation and of using technology to improve

operations and its environmental footprint. High-tech features include energy-efficient lighting, air conditioning, hot-water heating, lifts and escalator systems; light fittings equipped with both occupancy and daylight harvesting sensors; energy meters which constantly monitor and man- age consumption; PV panels to improve the energy balance of the building; and building performance dashboards which are used to educate both occu- pants and visitors about the sustainability initiatives implemented. “The conneXXion drives home the message that Exxaro is now a fully digitalised group, from the top down. We’ve made incredible progress in transform- ing Exxaro and we can probably now claim to be one of the leaders in South African mining when it comes to implementing the latest digital technologies. But this is an on-going journey which will never end. Technology changes by the day and the challenge ahead will be to keep Exxaro at the forefront of what

Matla, one of Exxaro’s underground mines. Situated in Mpumalanga Province, it comprises three separate mechanised underground operations producing power station coal.

is a fast-evolving field,” Mnisi concludes. Photos courtesy of Exxaro (unless otherwise credited)

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August 2019  MODERN MINING  33