Modern Mining November 2024

CONSULTING ENGINEERING & PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Talent development in consulting engineering key to unlocking mining opportunities – CESA Consulting engineers have played an integral role in supporting the local mining industry for many decades, providing a wide spectrum of services from exploration to mining, due diligence studies, mining water studies and planning, rock mechanics and more.

With South Africa looking to double its investment in mining by 2030, the industry is set to remain buoyant for a number of years to come.

CESA CEO Chris Campbell.

A s the requirements of the mining industry increase in complexity, the role consulting engineers play in the research and development of innovative solutions needed for successful mining operations that meet the varying demands of all stakeholders, has become even more critical. With South Africa looking to double its investment in mining by 2030, the industry is set to remain

agencies to promote mining engineering as a dynamic and rewarding career path. This includes engaging with educational institutions to modernise curricula and create awareness about the diverse opportunities within the local mining sector. “We need to be doing more to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects, by starting to create an awareness among learners

right from basic education through to high school levels, encouraging more young people to pursue careers in the engineering and technology fields. “The quality of our country’s

buoyant for a number of years to come. However, one of the most pressing issues confronting the South African mining and consulting engineers sector is the shortage of qualified professionals,

We need to secure a competent workforce with the continued development of skills, and we must advocate for the mining profession and showcase its opportunities for innovation and impact on the development of our economy.

consulting engineering industry relies on our next generation of engineers. We need to secure a competent workforce with the continued development of skills, and we must advocate for the

due to the specialised nature of the industry and the notion that mining is a dirty industry, making it seemingly unattractive to young professionals. “Many young professionals are more

mining profession and showcase its opportunities for innovation and impact on the development of our economy,” adds Campbell. Factors such as limited career

drawn to modern, office-based roles that leverage digital technologies rather than traditional fieldwork,” says Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) CEO, Chris Campbell. To mitigate this, CESA is calling for a concerted effort from industry associations and government

advancement opportunities, disparities in compensation, and a perceived lack of recognition for

20  MODERN MINING  www.modernminingmagazine.co.za | November 2024