Green Economy Journal Issue 62

MINING
Bathopele mine in Rustenburg, Sibanye-Stillwater.
She further highlighted the role of innovation and technology
in achieving this goal, such as the need for internal efficiency
improvements and reducing water losses due to evaporation
and seepage.
Professor Craig Sheridan, director of the Centre in Water Research
and Development, and Professor Thokozani Majozi (executive dean
of the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment and active
researcher in water process engineering) noted that mining has
a small water abstraction footprint; however, its impact on water
resources, particularly in terms of environmental contamination, is
substantial. “Keeping water within the mining processes can mitigate
environmental contamination,” said Professor Sheridan.
Makhado added that there was now a shift from internal water
management to external water stewardship, considering the impact
THOUGHT [ECO]NOMY
greeneconomy/report recycle
FUTURE SMART MINING: THE REALITY | Talesmith
of mining activities on the entire catchment area, communities,
municipalities and other industries.
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
Sibanye-Stillwater, senior vice president of digital transformation,
Werner Swanepoel, pointed out that South Africa is not as disconnected
as is often perceived.
“We are quick to adopt technological innovations,” said Swanepoel.
“However, the key challenge lies in ensuring comprehensive end-toend
connectivity and addressing the issue of cybersecurity, which
is an integral part of the implementation of new technologies in
mining. While pushing technological boundaries is crucial, it is
equally essential to prioritise cybersecurity to safeguard these
digitalisation efforts.”
WMI Sibanye-Stillwater DigiMine head, Ahsan Mahboob, stressed
the role of education, training and knowledge-sharing in shaping the
future of mining technologies. Mahboob highlighted the intrinsic
relationship between technology and the people using it.
This gathering of top minds within the mining sector underscored
the industry’s collective commitment to finding sustainable solutions
and fostering collaborative efforts to tackle pressing challenges. The
discussions not only highlighted the urgency of these issues but also
showcased the shared dedication of industry leaders, researchers
and experts in driving positive change
RE-SOLVE
your water issues
Re-Solve Consulting is dedicated to tackling the complex developmental challenges faced by
South Africa in the realm of water service delivery. The company is committed to preserving
and saving our water sources through a range of cost-effective solutions.
Re-Solve’s holistic approach to meeting clients’ needs underpins
its commitment to making a difference by preserving and
saving increasingly at-risk water sources.
Operating countrywide, Re-Solve’s client base includes public
and private sector entities, municipalities, metros, utilities, research
organisations, international and local development agencies as well
as mining and industrial companies.
The company also collaborates with a network of partners ranging
from financial institutions to water testing laboratories to ensure
clients receive the best service and tailored solutions to meet
their needs.
Over its 18 years of operation, the company has completed more
than 200 projects involving the provision of advanced water and
environmental engineering solutions to resolve issues around water
service delivery, provision and maintenance of infrastructure, system
inefficiencies, application of technology, institutional arrangements
and capacity development.
Re-Solve’s cost-effective interventions
have resulted in drastic water savings
and reduced water losses for its clients.
Services offered include supply and demand management, project
planning, contract administration and developmental engineering.
Re-solve operates according to the highest international standards
and constantly innovates to ensure clients have access to the most
advanced technical skills and technology. Re-Solve’s cost-effective
interventions have resulted in drastic water savings and reduced
water losses for its clients.
Re-Solve Consulting is a trusted partner for those seeking innovative
solutions to the water-related challenges faced by South Africa and
other sub-Saharan countries.
Email: info@re-solve.co.za
Website: www.re-solve.co.za
WATER
PROJECTS
Working across the public and private sectors, Re-Solve has
completed several major projects, including:
• Remediation interventions of water and sanitation supply
at rural schools
• Undertaken several water loss projects for various municipalities
• Implemented shared cost and water savings initiative for
national government departments
• Water use licence agreement, preliminary dam design and
environmental impact assessment for a major diamond mine
• Design and construction of road, stormwater, water and
sanitation infrastructure for a proposed housing development
for a national property development group
• Assessment and installation of bulk water meters and
management information systems for various municipalities
• Assessment of unaccounted water programmes for various
metros.
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