Modern Mining September 2023

MINING TECHNOLOGY

PointStudio software. The courses were conducted by two of Maptek’s French-speaking technical specialists. “The Vulcan training covered the basics of import ing files, creating lines and polygons through to more advanced topics such as in pit design, dump design, block models, and short-term mine planning. For PointStudio, the training encompassed point cloud data importation to the creation and manipulation of 3D models. Maptek is also continuing to work with three of the Masters students to help them complete their qualifications using Maptek solutions.” In addition, the students at the University of Lubumbashi have access to the Maptek online train ing platform, which enables them to hone their newly developed mining technology skills. Maptek also has longstanding partnerships with Wits University and the University of Pretoria. “Interest in adopting the latest mining tools and technologies varies across Africa, with the big min ing districts showing a healthy interest in Maptek training,” says Slabbert “Our university footprint has grown to such an extent that we have established an official university council to ensure all students have access to the necessary support. The mining depart ment of the University of Pretoria, with which Maptek has been collaborating for the past decade, contin ues to derive great value from our programmes, making use of our online training modules to allow students to learn at their own pace.” So great is the demand for Maptek support and skills in the sector that between two to five universi ties ink partnerships with the technology specialist each year. But Governments – a key player in the mining sec tor – are reticent about taking up the programmes. According to Slabbert, this essential segment which holds and manages key data related to the mining sector, including exploration licences and mineral deposits, is slower to upskill the personnel who can effectively advise on critical aspects such as health and safety. Slabbert notes though that Goverment officials visiting mines are often exposed to Maptek technol ogy, which in turn influences their views on health and safety measures. Using the information gleaned, Government officials often advise smaller mining operations on safety standards that they have seen administered. “Maptek’s aim, Slabbert says, “is to contribute to efficient mining operations to ensure that every miner, using our technology, can make better deci sions. We offer cutting edge tools and technologies and want to be a key partner in the journey with min ing houses and universities.” VisionV2X – keeping people and machinery safe In May this year, the technology specialist launched

tertiary institutions to ensure that graduates enter ing the workforce have insight into and interact with the latest technology. According to Slabbert, the uptake of science and technology at tertiary level has been exponential, with significant demand for Maptek training and sup port – in fact, the company has several partnerships with regional universities. The University of Lubumbashi is one of the most recent tertiary education institutions to partner with Maptek. Within its academic programme, Maptek provides students with free access to the company’s mine planning and geological tools. “Students are extremely eager to take up our free online training classes, which offer structured courses with a certificate on completion. The qualifi cation allows students in professional fields such as mining engineering, geology or quantity surveying to gain skills that distinguish them right from the start of their careers.” As of 2023, a total of 57 students, comprising 53 final year and four Masters level mining engineer ing students from the University of Lubumbashi, have undergone in-person training in Vulcan and

Maptek recently launched VisionV2X, a collision avoidance and proximity detection tool for underground mines.

VisionV2X allows equipment operators to detect other vehicles and personnel in proximity.

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34  MODERN MINING  September 2023