Modern Mining November 2022

CONSULTING ENGINEERING

developed. According to Campbell, many projects in Africa are won on a turnkey basis which encourages partnerships between contractors and consultants. Importantly, he says, there is a need for mining houses to expand their vendor list to incorporate more recent entrants to the sector. “Mining companies tend to hold on tight to long established partnerships with long-standing con sulting engineering companies. However, if the consulting engineering sector is to grow in knowl edge and experience, there is need for mining companies to broaden their vendor base to incor porate new entrants. In this way, we will be able to expand our base of consulting engineers with mining sector experience and ensure a more sustainable pipeline of future engineers. “From a CESA perspective, we believe it would benefit both, the mining industry and the consult ing engineering segment, to cultivate a constructive partnership. Although we have a vast number of member companies, fewer than 50 are listed as hav ing a track record of mining offerings. We would like to see this number grow substantially,” he explains Mining sector opportunities Coupled with the rise in demand for new age minerals such as battery metals and related com modities including lithium, vanadium and copper, which ensure that the mining sector remains sus tainable, there are the opportunities arising from digitalization, the Internet of Things, etc. which help with the drive to reduce costs, improve productivity and grow remote monitoring as related to TSFs. “4IR tools aid in reducing the need for a physi cal presence at mine sites and assist the consulting engineering fraternity to improve service levels by using drones for TSF surveillance and monitoring, for example. These tools help to improve efficien cies and productivity while reducing costs.. “And, in a bid to encourage young aspirant gradu ates to fill the gap in mining sector specialization, universities are developing specific courses, such as those related to TSF, which bodes well for the sec tor” concludes Campbell. 

participating in induction programmes that, in many cases, stretch the length of a day. “This is not useful for a consulting engineer whose job entails a site inspection of roughly an hour in an area with little to zero harm. The one size fits all practice is often not practical even when one appreciates the advisability of such practices. There is need for a meeting of the minds to discuss fairness and an improved risk management process, particu larly as consultants can effectively only bill for the hour it takes to undertake the site inspection.” Campbell adds that the skills attrition is further exacerbated by the exodus of skilled personnel from the sector to international destinations, with both young and seasoned practitioners exercising their choice to work elsewhere. There is demand for their skills sets and this is coupled with improved pay and better quality of life abroad. In addition to the vast quantity of consulting engi neers moving abroad, a fair number are relocating to African jurisdictions where mining projects are being

The skills attrition is exacerbated by the exodus of skilled personnel from the sector to international destinations.

CESA CESA is a voluntary association of consulting engineering firms with a member base across the country of close to 600. CESA employs some 19 000 people. Established in 1952, this year the industry body celebrates 70 years in business.

34  MODERN MINING  November 2022