Kumba Iron Ore PIT Symposium 2021

KUMBA IRON ORE

PIT Symposium 2021

Reimagining the
future of mining
through Innovation.

2021 | PIT SYMPOSIUM 1

PROGRAMME

07:00 – 08:00 Arrival and registration

08:00 – 08:10 Opening, Safety briefing, introduction of the judges and proceedings of the day

08:10 - 08:30 Welcome note by CEO
Themba Mkhwanazi

08:30 – 09:00 Paper 1: Carel Burger - Geoscience
Carel Burger

09:00 – 09:30 Paper 2: Karabo Diole – Electrical Engineering
Karabo Diole

09:30 – 10:00 Paper 3: Mosa Huma – Business Improvement
Mosa Huma

10:00 – 10:15 Tea Break

10:15 – 11:00 Keynote Speaker
Bronwyn Williams

11:00 - 11:30 Paper 4: Michyle Reddiar – Projects
Michyle Reddiar

11:30 - 12:00 Paper 5: Hlumisa Mtirara – Mining Engineering
Hlumisa Mtirara

12:00 – 12:30 Paper 6: Talifhani Munyai – Metallurgy
Talifhani Munyai

12:30 – 13:30 Lunch

13:30 – 14:00 Paper 7: Moses Skhosana - Geoscience
Moses Skhosana

14:00 – 14:30 Paper 8 Nompumelelo Mhlongo – Mining
Nompumelelo Mhlongo

14:30 – 15:00 Paper 9: Warrick Fynes-Clinton – Geotechnical Engineering
Warrick Fynes-Clinton

15:00 – 15:10 Judges confer
Selection of viewer’s choice

15:10 – 15:20 Acknowledgements and word of thanks to the presenters and Themba by HR Head
Craig Malander

15:20 – 16:00 Prize Giving
Themba Mkhwanazi

16:00 – 16:15 Executive summary and closure by Head of Technical and Projects.
Glen Mc Gavigan

16:15 – 20:00 Entertainment: cocktails and networking

Covid-19 protocol will be observed

2 PIT SYMPOSIUM | 2021

GUEST SPEAKER

Bronwyn Williams

Futurist, Economist and Business Trends
Analyst

Bronwyn has over a decade’s experience in strategic
management, trend research and foresight; consulting to
clients in the public and private sector across the African
continent. Her educational credentials include tertiary
qualifications in Marketing Management (University of
Johannesburg), Economics (University of London), Foresight
(University of Manchester), and Future Studies (University
of Stellenbosch). She is currently completing a Masters in
Applied Economics from the University of Bath.

Today, as an associate with Futureworld.org, Bronwyn’s
keynote addresses and workshops focus on how macro
socio-economic trends and emerging technologies will
impact businesses, industries, and nations in the near and
long term future. Part economist, part strategist, Bronwyn’s
particular areas of expertise include fintech trends, alternative
economic models, and sustainable future design.

Bronwyn’s clients include Top 40 JSE listed companies,
The South African Reserve Bank, African government
departments, and global business leaders. She also guest
lectures for leading business schools, such as Duke, GIBS,
UCT, and the University of Johannesburg. Bronwyn is a
published writer and a well-known media commentator on
future trends and economic trajectories for network channels
including CNBC Africa and ENCA news.

2021 | PIT SYMPOSIUM 3

FOREWORD

Themba Mkhwanazi Glen Mac Gavigan

Chief Executive Officer Executive Head of Technical and Projects

Talent is at the top of the business agenda My favorite time of the year again but oh boy,
– and not only for HR, but for the business at what times we live in…who would have thought
large. we would be having our 2nd PIT symposium
still under lockdown!
As business leaders we are worried about the leadership
benches, the scarce supply of critical technical employees There is however light at the end of the tunnel and that is the
and diversity and inclusion across the organisation. With vaccine…I am fully vaccinated, are you? An open offer….if you
the Professionals in Training programme in Anglo American are still worried about the vaccine and would like to have a
and in Kumba, you can be rest assured that the future of our chat about it, please drop me an email (glen.mcgavigan@
organisation is in great hands. This programme has yielded angloamerican.com), give me a call (0834402619), call me
great results since its inception and has built the needed on teams, or grab me at the break for a chat. I would like to
talent. I believe that in any business strategy we chose, hear your “why” and share mine...I am here to listen.
the workforce challenges will always take center stage to So back to the symposium, this year’s theme is “Reimagining
the success of that particular strategy. This years’ theme the future of mining through Innovation” and we all know
of ‘Reimagining the future of mining through Innovation’ that innovation is one of Anglo Americans’ core values. Many
is tantamount to the world we find ourselves in, where people see innovation as technology and gadgets but it is
technology and information are stretching the fabric of the more, it is a “mindset” and to reimagine mining to improve
workplace lattice across all domains. I am looking forward to people’s lives, we need innovative thinking right across the
the innovative projects that our graduates have worked on value chain to challenge the status quo. I am looking forward
in improving safety and operational excellence across our to being challenged by the PIT’s innovative thinking.
operations.

4 PIT SYMPOSIUM | 2021

Dr James Ramakau

Manager: Talent and Sourcing

Innovation has become a great necessity
across all industries, not only as a competitive
advantage differentiator, but as a ticket for
staying in business.

Annually our graduates are offered an opportunity to work on
stretch business improvement projects focused on operational
and safety excellence; this is to inculcate the innovation
mindset as part of their DNA. The PIT Symposium is our
flagship programme, which showcase the ingenuity of these
future leaders. As you would agree, no two businesses will
have identical formulas for talent, not even similar companies
in the same industry. As Anglo American and Kumba, our
early talent programme reinforces our core competence as
a mining organisation, and we believe that our programme
adds tremendous value to the constant supplying of technical
talent, it is rare and inimitable as it has been built and refined
over many years by our capable technical leaders across the
business. This year you are invited to sit back and be taken on
a journey to reimagine the future of mining through innovation.

2021 | PIT SYMPOSIUM 5

Paper 1 Project: Future smart drilling:
Advancing Accurate and Precise
Carel Burger Geodata

2nd year Geology PIT Kumba Iron Ore, in conjunction with our drilling contractor
Rosond, have agreed to implement world class drilling
Site: Sishen Mine technology into our mining value chain in the production
Qualification: B.Sc Earth Science (Hons) from Stellenbosch environment. This new technology has revolutionised the
University previously dusty, rough and in the line of fire kind of work that
Discipline: Geology drilling constituted. Improvements include autonomous drill
rod handlers, noise proofing, dust proofing, airconditioned
Born and raised in the Northern Cape on the west coast, my driller cabins and remote operated sampling systems among
parents instilled a love for the outdoors in me from a young others.
age. Family members working at the neighbouring Namdeb
diamond mine added to my interest in the outdoors but With these advancements, gender equality has been
also planted the seed to doing Geology. Upon doing career improved by having female employees able to work on the
research I discovered that geology combines sound science drill site in a suitable environment. Furthermore, the agreement
with the outdoors and that to me is the ultimate combination. between Kumba and Rosond is to contribute to enterprises in
It was an absolute no-brainer where I was headed for my the host communities by local BEE partnerships.
studies. Upon finishing my studies, I was granted the fantastic
opportunity of joining the Kumba family as a graduate and This PIT project focused on testing the quality of samples
can only be grateful for all the fantastic opportunities I have delivered and implementing changes in the sampling practice
had since. and process to ensure quality geological data may be
delivered. The phase 5 drilling fits into the value chain as an
The past 2 years saw me working for 1-year at Northern Cape integral part of geodata, informing the entire value chain (Fig.
Exploration Geology learning and gaining competency in core 1) that follows. It is imperative that quality data is recorded
logging and drill site management. Early this year I moved and analysed in order to use as the foundation for building
to Sishen mine and joined the Production geology team. resource models, life of mine predictions, ore scheduling
This was an exciting new exposure and saw me learning plans, blending plans and mining plans. Even though the new
extremely fast and gaining the trust of the team in the face of technology has been employed on site, it is crucial to have
a challenging working environment. In this time, I have also a grip on the quality of samples delivered which informs the
done my fair share of shift work (both day and night) when I value chain thereafter. Improving our understanding of the
worked in a position of responsibility at Grade Control. quality of the sample, enables us to report with confidence,
When I am not at work, I enjoy being outdoors running and the material intersected in our drilling campaigns.
cycling or hiking. Over weekends I will typically try to camp
out somewhere or visit friends on their farms. For the odd Figure 1 Value chain with the focus on phase 5 Reverse
breakaway I love to visit the wine region in the Western Cape Circulation (RC) drilling
to enjoy the beautiful scenery, drink wine and catch a couple
of waves on my surfboard. The new contractor has the advantage of learning from the
previous contractors’ sample splitting cyclone systems and
6 PIT SYMPOSIUM | 2021 implementing the optimal sampling system. This project
brought about improvements in the sampling practice. New
training material was designed and alignment was reached
with the sampling teams. Sampling straight into sample
bags instead of sampling cups was also considered an
improvement.

Furthermore, the PIT constructed templates to use for future Paper 2
testing and reporting on sampling quality, this in itself has
already proved to save a lot of time and improved the Karabo Diole
reporting.
4th year Electrical Engineering PIT
Improvements this project brought about:
Site: Sishen Iron Ore
Futuresmart Mining: Implementing world class technology Qualification: B.Eng (Electrical)
into the mining industry and ensuring seamless transition into Discipline: Electrical Engineering
a new age of operations
I was born and raised in Monakato village in Rustenburg,
Women in mining: Increased comfort and removal of North West Province, and matriculated in 2008 from Dr J.M
physically challenging working environments that ensures the Ntsime High School. I did not know what career path I wanted
inclusivity of the work to encompass all genders and abilities to follow until I was in my matriculation year when we were
invited to visit Kumba operations in Thabazimbi. During our
P101 and the operational model: By implementing certain day visit we were taught about the impact that the mining
measurable targets and supplying standardised templates industry has in the economy of our country, the company
for routine work, efficient operations can be achieved and values, the impact that Kumba has had in people’s lives in
improvements can be tracked. By including this work in the their operations and lastly the different career paths in the
Value Based ore Control (VBOC) outline, work can be planned mining industry. Today I hold a Bachelor of Engineering in
better and executed in an efficient way Electrical Engineering from the University of Pretoria, I am a
registered Pr.Eng candidate with ECSA and I have just over 3
During this project, the PIT had the opportunity to collaborate years professional experiential training in mining and this was
with the drilling teams, the samplers and the laboratory in only possible because of Kumba.
order to fully understand the work and how the process
flows. Upon spending time with individuals and looking at I started my first year of the GCC PIT program in Kolomela
the value chain, he got to innovate better workflows as well Mine in 2018 where I was exposed to the Kumba value chain
as appreciate the work that individuals do. By doing regular and I gained much experience in plant maintenance from
test work and implementing improvements, he could apply acting as supervisor in both the DMS and the DSO plants.
changes that assist in storm proofing the company and taking In the same year I worked on my first individual project
us a step closer to Tswelopele. Futuristic technology opened where I developed a digital pre-use inspection checklist in
his eyes to the possibilities that by doing this work, we are one the effort to improve the quality of our pre-use inspections.
step closer to autonomous sampling practice and in this way In 2019 I moved to Sishen Mine as part of my program to
removing our employees from areas of dangerous work. gain experience to our different operations. In Sishen I acted
as an Electrical supervisor in the DMS plant Section B and
enhanced my leadership qualities.

Towards the End of 2019 until the end of 2020 I was in
Amandelbult for my GCC program underground experiential
training and it is during that time that I was working with the
Kumba technology team on the COVID-19 ventilator project…
more about this later. I returned to Sishen in November 2020
and I have been acting in various sections since then and
most recently as Section Engineering Manager for Mining
Maintenance Support. I continue to work with the technology
team, currently working on a project to use technology
to mitigate operator complacency to TMM cabin alarms
in response to the TMM related incidents we have had in
the beginning of this year. I used to have hobbies such as
working on various technology projects, developing mobile
applications (GBV panic button app and others), running,
playing chess and learning guitar. Now that I have completed
my GCC training and I am preparing to write my ticket exam in
November,

2021 | PIT SYMPOSIUM 7

Project: COVID-19 response Project achieved deliverables:
support program-Ventilator
Project 1. Drager VE300 Oxylog NIV & Drager Oxylog 3000
Ventilators, Medumat Transport Ventilators and SV300
On the 5th of March 2020 South Africa had their first Mindray
confirmed case of COVID-19, in a country with a population
just under 60 million with 20% of its people living in poverty, 2. High Flow Nasal Machines
this meant devastating times ahead. The country only had 3. Patient Monitors
approximately 6000 ventilators (4000 in private hospitals 4. Bulk Oxygen Tanks per site(Kuruman & Postmasburg)
and 2000 in public hospitals) and this was a clear indication 5. 50 bed oxygen and medical air reticulated COVID-19
that we did not have the capacity to even cater for the most
optimistic prediction of COVID-19 progression. structure (Kuruman)
6. <30 bed oxygen and medical air reticulation in existing
A month after our first confirmed COVID-19 case, I started
working on various projects on my own with the focus on hospital (Postmansburg)
measures to significantly reduce transmission of the virus 7. Fully Equipped Oxygen plant rooms (Kuruman &
in the mining industry (i.e face shield hard-head) and
considering the worst-case scenario, creating the technology Postmasburg)
for treatment of COVID-19 (Ambu-bag “ventilator”). With 8. Jay-20 Oxygen concentrators
the assistance and support of my site, Head Office mentors 9. Health Care Personnel Training
and Technology manager at the time, I joined the Kumba 10. Ventilator Consumables (Masks and ventilator circuit
technology Team working on the COVID-19 ventilator project.
piping etc)
Safety of employees is priority at Anglo American, ensuring
that all employees leave the work place safe and in good Paper 3
health as they arrived at beginning of their respective work
shift. In terms of the Mine Health and Safety Act, 29 of 1996, Mosa Huma
it is the employer’s responsibility to take all reasonably
practicable measures to protect the health and safety 2nd-year Business Improvement PIT
of employees. Kumba took it upon itself to live up to this
commitment in response to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, to Site: Anglo American Sishen Kumba Iron Ore
not only support the health and safety of our employees but Qualification: B.Eng (Industrial Engineering) from the Univer-
extend the company values to the communities around our sity of Pretoria
operations. On the third of April 2020, based on the predicted Discipline: Industrial Engineering
impact of the pandemic at hand, the Technology team was I was born and raised in Pretoria, The Jakaranda City; I started
given a challenge to come up with ideas to assist the host my technical journey at Pretoria Technical High School, which
communities and this was the beginning of the ventilator male students mainly dominated. Starting from grade 10 – 12,
project. I was one of two female students in the Electrical Technology
(ET) class of 15 students. Whenever we had the chance to
When ventilators were the only known method of treatment connect a circuit, the male students in our class would offer to
for COVID-19, ventilator manufacturers around the world assist us with soldering the parts on the board, assuming that
increased their production by up to 50% in the effort to meet we would hurt ourselves if we did it ourselves.
the international demand for the equipment which was
estimated to have increased by approximately 500-1000%.
Collaboration with local companies and manufacturers to
fund local manufacturing of ventilators or procurement of
enough off the shelf unit whichever comes first, was the best
approach to support our host communities in preparation
of the first peak. Collaboration with the CSIR, Denel, DTI and
the government in the effort to fast track the development of
the National ventilator project prototype was done in parallel
with continuous engagements with international and local
suppliers with acceptable delivery time.

I conducted multiple site visits and audits in public hospitals
and health care facilities in Kuruman, Oliefantshoek and
Postmansburg and engaged with their management team to
understand their needs in preparation of the first peak.

8 PIT SYMPOSIUM | 2021

This experience molded me to want to do things for myself. It • SAFE – Improve housekeeping in the pit through cone
prompted me to start a mini-campaign to encourage female management (quality work is safe work).
grade 9 students, to pick ET as their elective subject. By the
time I was in grade 12, the grade 10 ET class of that year had • INCLUSIVE – Sharing accountability and responsibility
six female students out of a class of 15 students. From this within the mining operations value chain.
improvement, it was easy for me to figure out what I wanted
to study at tertiary; I further graduated from the University of • PRODUCTION – Enable drills and blast to provide floor
Pretoria with a BEng in Industrial Engineering, also known to stock for the bottleneck process Load and Haul
my peers and me as the “Multi-Skilled Ninja Degree.”
Paper 4
My mind-blowing experience of the mining world began at
Sishen Mine in 2020; coming to the small town of Kathu was Michyle Reddiar
a significant adjustment for me. The introduction of being an
Industrial Engineer in the world of mining was a 12 hr shift on 3rd year Project Management PIT
the Pit Vipers to perform a time study to validate poor DOH
performance; I learned how to analyse data and do root Site: Currently based at Kumba Iron Ore – Kolomela Mine
cause analysis from this experience. I further immersed myself Qualification: B.Ing - Civil Engineering and M.Eng - Civil
with the understanding of the Operating Model, especially Engineering (student) at the University of Johannesburg
the Feedback pillar concentrating on Measures and Analyse Discipline: Project Management
& Improve. Additionally, I assisted with the Sishen Measures I hail from the communal southern suburbs of Johannesburg.
Portal Development for the Feedback Rollout to the Mining Growing up in this diverse community rooted me in the values
Operation Department from the knowledge I attained. of hard work and service to others.
When I am not performing Ninja duties, I am dancing to TikTok My dad as an accomplished professional led to our family
audios and sewing scrunchies, having merrymaking video living in the Middle East for a period. This afforded me the
calls with my brothers, enjoying wine and popcorn with my privilege of attending the British School which was a melting
friends, and offering makeover services to my family and pot of cultures. This travel experience, amongst others,
friends. exposed me to multiple cultures at a young age; influencing
my world view. This developed my multifocal lens on the world
Project: Block Preparation of work.
Improvement – Prepping Makes As a youth, my career aspirations were like a swinging
Perfect pendulum from choices of medicine, to oceanography to the
crazy thought of joining the airlines as a flight attendant. In
Block Preparation is an open cast mining process that hindsight, the latter would have been a poor choice given the
comes after loading and before drilling. The purpose of block erosion of the aviation industry with Covid-19.
preparation is to provide a safe and quality drill bench to the
drilling team. This process includes the following activities: 2021 | PIT SYMPOSIUM 9

• Placing berm on the crest (if block is on haul road)
• Placing blue cones 2m from the crest of block and 15m

apart
• Ensuring elevation of 0.5m above and below.
• Ensuring all toes are ripped as far as possible, cleaned,

and exposed
• Create berms for dedicated toilets
• Create Space for LDV parking
• Ensure a high wall at 12.5m height
• Ensure there are demarcation lines in place

Therefore, in the case of Sishen, the activities have the
potential to affect the drilling process, which involves the
Pitviper utilisation due to the “Waiting for Drill Block” delay.
Therefore, the project will aim to reduce the number of failed
prepped blocks (quality-related), reducing the waiting for drill
block prep (time-related).

The Methodology followed includes the AAOM Analyse
and Improve process: Process Performance Review, Issue
Investigation, Control Action Formulation, and Implementation.
With the success of this project, the following Sishen Vision
benefits can be realised:

Engineering was not an obvious choice for me but came as station at the Kapstevel pit, four new transfer stations at the
a recommendation from our family doctor. My research and Klipbankfontein pit and a transfer station at the DSO plant.
enrolment for my Bachelor of Engineering (B.Ing) led me to These transfer stations will be supplied with solar power The
discovering my passion. I am in love with concrete and civil structures will be earthed to ensure that the instrumentation
works!! inside is protected against adverse weather conditions.
Signage and fencing will be erected around the new
Upon completion of my degree I became a victim of this transfer stations. Eleven new reference beacons will also be
disease called unemployment. Multiple failed applications led constructed.
me to embarking on the journey of a Master of Engineering
(M.Eng). The management and interfacing of the civil, surveying,
During my studies I became a tutor at university and also signage and instrumentation packages was vital to ensure
started a company focusing on project management in an the project success. Through the ongoing construction, the
attempt to start working. following Kumba values has been demonstrated by the
project team:
The universe unfolds as it should and as I completed my 1st
project the opportunity to join the PIT program presented itself. • Safety – All safety aspects have been exceeded by the
I have never looked back... project team

I count it a rare privilege, not only to be eligible for such a • Care and Respect – The entire project team has
rare opportunity, but to work under the guidance of leading implemented this value throughout the project
professionals in the mining industry. I remain in awe of the
talent and knowledge that exists and the unselfish way in • Integrity - This value has been shown by both the owners
which this valuable experience is transferred. I salute the team ad projects team
Projects Leadership and Team both at Sishen and Kolomela.
Today, I am skilled and competent, counting myself amongst • Accountability – Accountability for actions has been taken
employable knowledged workers. by the owner’s team and contractor’s team

The last three years has been intense. It was daunting and • Collaboration – This value has been shown from the onset
challenging at times, but rewarding in every instance. I went of the project. Collaboration between SIB, mining and
from being a freshman to managing projects independently. Geotech has ensured the successful implementation of
the project
I am grateful for the many opportunities to attend formal
training and to receive invaluable practical training under the • Innovation – This value has been shown by the
guidance of stalwarts in the mining industry. technology that is used, as well as the identifying the gap
With my academic education now complemented with to implement the 2022 slope stability monitoring project
specialised formal training and numerous hours of practical scope in 2021
experience, I feel ready to follow my passion towards
making a significant contribution to both mining and project Throughout the project, the project management processes
management. and procedures were followed. This, together with the
collaboration of the owner’s team and the contractor’s team,
Project: Slope Stability assisted in ensuring that the project continues to be a success
Monitoring until completion.

Bench failure is one of Kolomela’s priority unwanted
events, that is managed through the slope monitoring
strategy. According to the Anglo-American Operational
Risk Management Framework Parent Bowtie, slope stability
monitoring is a mandatory critical control, and production
areas must have adequate primary, critical and long-term
monitoring coverage for mining to be conducted safely.
The objective of the slope stability monitoring project is to
monitor the stability of the mining pit’s slopes and to ensure
the safety of employees and machinery working in proximity
of the slopes. The project aims to introduce prism-based
monitoring at the Kapstevel pit as well as at the DSO Plant.
The project will also expand the prism-based monitoring to
phase 3 at the Klipbankfontein pit. The project will allow the
mining and geotech department to predict slope instability
and to enable risk mitigation measures to be put in place.
This project scope entails constructing one new transfer

10 PIT SYMPOSIUM | 2021

Paper 5 Our haul truck fleet is an important component of the mining
value chain. We need the trucks to performing as we expect
Hlumisa Lethu Mtirara them to perform in order for us to achieve our P101 ambitions.
Some of the challenges with availability and reliability
2rd year Mining Engineering PIT are caused by the way we as mining operations use the
trucks. For example, operational damages can easily be
Site: Currently based at Kumba Iron Ore Kolomela mine prevented. The incorrect use and application of equipment,
Qualification: BTech: Mining Engineering from the University especially trucks, contributes to low reliability and results in
of Johannesburg us falling behind in production. The Operate for Reliability
Discipline: Mining Engineering (O4R) initiative has shown how we can improve the truck
performance by focusing on the right application, operator
I was born and bred in Mqanduli a small town located 30km training and road maintenance. Being involved in the O4R
from Mthatha in the Eastern Cape Province. I attended Mount initiative has enabled me to assist the Kolomela mining
Nicholas Js School then later transferred to Gladys King team to reduce the number of unwanted events that a truck
Primary School and Khanyisa High School. Growing up I encounters. In the long run, this improves availability and
had always wanted to be a pilot or an accountant. All those reliability and means we can mine the required tonnes with
childhood aspirations and dreams soon faded when I was our truck fleet.
in matric, with being a pilot I had a lot of physical restriction Through the O4R initiative and collaboration across the value
that made me not qualify and being an account was out chain, I will show you how we have improved safety and truck
of the picture as almost every fellow student in my school reliability thereby improving truck performance and reducing
at that time wanted to be an accountant. It was then a hauling cost..
cousin suggested that I should look into mining. Without any
knowledge of mining, the only knowledge I had of mining was Paper 6
of a general worker, I was not sure if I should go to an higher
learning institutions and peruse a qualification in mining Talifhani Munyai
engineering.
2nd year Metallurgy PIT
I was then given an opportunity to do practical work in the
year of 2014 at Thabazimbi mine, when that Kumba mine Site: Kolomela Mine
was still operating. It was then that I wanted to know more Qualification: BSc (Eng.) - (Metallurgy & Materials
about the theoretical side of mining and not only know Engineering), University of the Witwatersrand
surface operations. I was then given another opportunity Discipline: Processing
at AngloGold Ashanti Mponeng mine as the GDP student.
This was one of the most memorable and exciting learning 2021 | PIT SYMPOSIUM 11
experiences I have had in my career in mining. There was
not time for nurturing or holding hands, it was “Wena tshile
mama? Lo ndaba yini hayi tshile?” It was time to grow, learn
and build myself in mining. This was the time I was given
responsibility of leading crews.

Taking leadership, building good relationships, understanding
every individual I worked with, being responsible for every
live and making sure that everyone gets home safe. The
challenges that came with working underground and with
different individuals was one of the best experiences and
opportunity that I would never trade. Even going to Sibanye
Stillwater wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be although
acting as shift production supervisor was challenging.

Project: O4R - Improving Mining
performance at Kolomela

Kumba has various systems and processes that are in
place to ensure our mining business runs safely and smooth
according to the business plan. Upon my arrival at Kolomela
mine WHEN I found that we are faced with a challenge of
equipment availability and the equipment reliability being
below our P101 targets. This meant that we were falling short
on our ambition of “Breakthrough Shall Happen” at Kolomela
Mine.

I was born and raised on the outskirts of Thohoyandou, Paper 7
Limpopo. Attended Tshidumbi Primary School and
Thohoyandou High School with no exposure to the mining Moses Moshe Skosana
industry. My interest in metallurgy peaked when I went on a
field trip to the University of Witwatersrand and heard one of 2nd year Geotechnical Engineering PIT
the graduates explain the role of a metallurgist in the mining
industry. After that encounter, I studied BSc (Eng.) - (Metallurgy Site: Kolomela Mine
and Materials Engineering) at the university of Witwatersrand. Qualification: BSc (Hons) Engineering Geology, University of
I then joined Kumba Iron Ore during my third year of study as Pretoria
a bursary holder. In 2020, I was appointed as a Processing Discipline: Geotechnical Engineering
Professional in Training at Sishen Mine where I joined the Plant
Technical Services (PTS) department. During that period, I During my upbringing I was always the curious child. My
was part of the technical support team for the DMS Drum, dad would jokingly say to me “You should be a prosecutor
DMS Cyclone, Jig and UCC plants focused on optimisation because you question a lot”, well I took my curiosity to science.
and stability of the plants. At the beginning of 2021, I joined In my primary schooling phase I stumbled upon my older
the Kolomela Mine PTS department, supporting the DMS plant brother’s book that was titled Earth Science, it spoke about,
technical team, where I am currently monitoring the process inter-alia, the space, and planets. That book made me realise
health and working on various projects aimed at stabilising how little we know of the Universe and that was exciting for
the plant. I spend my free time doing crafts, exploring the me. The cliché that “you’re what you eat” is evident as the
world with friends and family, reading a good book, playing book played a key role in shaping my career choice.
puzzles, watching Netflix documentaries and recently became My journey with Kumba Iron Ore began in 2019 as a bursar.
a practicing nail technician. During that academic year I was completing my BSc (Hons)
Engineering Geology. I was appointed as a PIT with effect
Project: DMS Plant Road to from February 2020 and I began my training at Amandelbult,
Stability by Optimising the DMS Tumela Upper 15E. During this time I worked with the Tumela
Crushing Plant Upper 15E Rock Engineering team.

The Kolomela DMS Plant was recommissioned in 2019 and Later in 2020, I was assigned to the Kolomela Geotechnical
has been in full production since 2020. Due to operational Engineering team. Upon joining Kolomela in 2020, I was given
inefficiencies experienced which have constrained the Fines the opportunity to work de facto as a Geotechnical technician.
head feed tempos will result in the plant not meeting the plan My journey thus far has been nothing short of growth and
by not realising the 900kt product required. The DMS Plant continuous exciting challenges. My role at Kolomela gives me
Fines head feed tempos is intended to operate at 150 tph, the platform to do daily pit inspections to note any signs of
but due to the operational inefficiency issues, it is was being highwall instability and advice on safety measures to employ
operated at 70 tph before the project was completed. The as we advance mining. Moreover, it gives me the platform to
Fines head feed tempo constraints is due to high grit content understanding how a mining advance affects the operational
in the plant feed material. The plant was designed to handle and long term design and the overall production efficiency.
19% grit yet it is currently handling 25% grit. The high grit It was during this time that I noticed blasting concerns and
content results in overloading of the grit and slimes handling the effect it has on the highwall which pose a safety concern.
area resulting in high occurrences of high bed mass and
density in the thickener. To mitigate the impact of high grit
content, the Fines head feed tempos are reduced.

Upon performing a study on the cause of the high grit content
in the feed, it led to the optimisation of the DMS Crushing
Plant operational philosophy. This was done by changing the
crushing and sizing philosophy of the plant, which enabled
the crushing plant to produce correctly sized material and
minimize fines generation, thus lowering the grit produced.
The implemented solution resulted in an increase in the DMS
plant fines feed tempos from 70 to 88 tph.

Through the success of this project, a high revenue has been
realized by the DMS plant, as more tonnages are being
produced. Other benefits include cost saving at the DMS
crushing plant as crusher maintenance costs has been
reduced. This project required the cohesiveness of different
disciplines and background. This enabled me to tap into the
technical and non-technical skills applicable to the operation
of the plant.

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During my research phase to understand blasting as a Paper 8
science and the rock, I discovered an opportunity to improve
the blast design. The project challenges the science as Nompumelelo Mhlongo
opposed to the art of blasting, and it aims to understand the
impact of blasting to the rock. 3rd year mining PIT

Project: Application of sonic Site: Currently based at Anglo American Platinum’s Tumela
velocity (VSO) of a rock in the Lower Operation
blast design Qualification: B.Eng (Mining Engineering) ,University of
Pretoria
The study sought to establish the application of sonic velocity Discipline: Mining Engineering
(VSO) of a rock in the blast design. The sonic velocity studies
the propagation of compressional and shear elastic waves Nompumelelo was born in Newcastle – a small town in KZN.
through a rock. From a blast we measure the velocity of Being quite the traveler at such a tender age, she was raised
detonation (VOD), which unfortunately at the moment we do in Richards Bay, Witbank and Steelpoort. These towns are well
not have a rock parameter to compare it with. VOD influences known for their booming mining industries. One would assume
how energy is released from the explosive. Different explosive that she was influenced by these towns to join the mining
products give a different VOD results; an explosive with a industry, which is only a fraction of this humble traveler’s truth.
high VOD will exert more pressure on the rock and ultimately Nompumelelo’s father was an engineer and her role model
achieve better fragmentation results. This study compares who encouraged to follow her heart’s desires with ambition,
the VOD and VSO. The relationship between the VOD and creativity, excellence and grit. Mining engineering was her
VSO, based on blasting rules of thumb, is that the detonation heart’s true desire as it is a key to the South African economy
velocity of the explosive should match, as closely as possible, and this field requires one to adopt to new technologies and
the sonic velocity of the rock to be blasted. If the VOD is higher thinking methodologies in order to remain competitive. She
than the VSO, rock over breaking occurs and this damages loves that beyond the value it adds to the economy, the mining
the surrounding rock. To the contrary, if the VOD is relatively industry has a real impact on society and its surrounding
lower than VSO we get poor fragmentation. Incorporating the communities. With her heart set on mining engineering, she
rock VSO to the blast design will likely helps build a preliminary pursued her mining engineering degree at the University of
blast model based on different rock types, subsequently Pretoria.
reducing the blast damage to the highwall.
She has been employed by Kumba Iron Ore for the past
three years as a PIT Mining Engineering. During the first
year and a half of her training she worked at Sibanye Gold
Kloof Operations, where she can undoubtedly say that she
learned all the fundamental concepts there were to learn
about underground conventional mining. During her time
there she obtained her Blasting Certificate of Competency
for Scheduled Mines and then proceeded to move to Anglo
American’s Platinum division.

At Tumela Mine, she was appointed as a miner of a ledging
crew and a stoping crew. This new commodity proved to be
a lot kinder physically which saw her excelling and achieving
her monthly calls. She was then moved to a new section
called London- which you will hear more of during her
presentation where she was part of the team heading the
stope modernisation project. This section introduced her to
various mining functions including planning, innovation and
mining method optimisation strategies.

She has learned so much and grown exponentially as a
person, leader and a woman in a man’s world. She aspires to
doing a postgraduate degree in Industrial Engineering and
to continue to grow as a mining professional. The privilege
to present in the symposium is just the first step of what she
believes is the journey to achieving that.

Nompumelelo is a loquacious young lady who loves to laugh
and love the people around her. When she is not wearing her
hard hat, she is an HIV/AIDS activist, a gym bunny, an online
shopping enthusiast and a reality TV binge watcher.

2021 | PIT SYMPOSIUM 13

A Day in London: Reducing Paper 9
Cleaning Time Through the
Optimisation of Throw Blasting at Warrick Fynes-Clinton
Amandelbult
4th Year Geotechnical PIT
Tumela Mine’s conventional stopes are designed to be on
a 30m long panel with a stoping width of between 1.2m to Site: Sishen Mine
1.5m. A 0.5m by 1.2m box pattern is used to perform drilling Qualification: BSc (Hons) Geology from the University of the
practices, this pattern is drilled at a direction of 90 degrees Witwatersrand
to the strike by the appointed rock drill operators. If the Discipline: Geotechnical Engineering
specifications of this blast design are adhered to one will
discover that bulk of the blasted ore would pill up in the middle I’ve been on an interesting Journey. Just a city boy, born and
of the panel. Meaning more than 90 tons of ore would have to raised in South Detroit. If South Detroit was another name for
be cleaned from the face during a shift utilising a scrap winch. Harare, Zimbabwe that is. That was a short-lived adventure as
London (09/41-Stopes) introduces the concept of split my family and I soon moved to Johannesburg after my birth,
panels which is aimed at making optimum use of the heaving and then onto Jwaneng 3 years later. It was here that I was
capability of explosives by mining shorter panels. As a result first introduced to mining and the small-town lifestyle. 8 years
of mining a shorter panel most of the ore generated during later and we were back in good old Jozi where I completed
a blast is supposed to throw into the advanced strike gully, my primary school, high school and tertiary education.
leaving only a minimum amount of rock to be cleaned on the
panel. I made the decision to study geology instead of Civil
Engineering towards the end of matric. I have always had
London then implemented a new blast design consisting of an interest in the natural environment and find it fascinating
a 38mm hole diameter blast hole with a 60cm burden and to learn about how Earth system processes work. “Oh, so
production holes drilled at 90 degrees to the strike. This blast you study rocks?” is a question I was frequented with by
design together with the use of emulsion explosives and an those who did not understand what geology is. “Well yes,
electronic initiation system allows for faster timing, shorter than but actually no” was my usual response. Geology is a highly
the standard shock tube 200-millisecond intra-hole timing. complex, multi-faceted field that goes far beyond just being
This design was supposed to achieve 80% throw into the gully, able to distinguish quartzite from diamonds (like in the recent
instead it achieved a 55% throw. KwaHlathi, KZN incident). Yes, we like to look at pretty rocks
but that’s merely just scratching the surface. “Every rock has a
This study went on to experimentally find the optimum blast story” so they say and I was keen to hear those stories told.
design and drilling practices that would see us achieving
the set 80% throw. 80 and 70 degree drilling angle were Once I graduated from university (and not having spoken a
adopted with the same blast designs along with different single word of Afrikaans for about 4 years), I found myself in
blast timing methods. The required throw blast was achieved the Northern Cape, working on the Heuningkranz exploration
at 70 degrees together with a chevron timing method. This project. This was my first real experience of the working world
proved to have great benefits on safety – with reduced winch in my industry and I absolutely loved it.
utilisation times as well as improved production efficiencies.
Planned blasts were achieved at a higher rate as opposed
to the previously experienced number of lost blasts which
positively increased our revenues.

14 PIT SYMPOSIUM | 2021

It was a great launching platform learning how to log core and Cavities tend to form in softer or weaker rocks, typically
manage drill rigs on one of the largest exploration projects on associated with structural weaknesses such as faults or
the continent at the time. joints, where material is continually dissolved or eroded
away by various processes that creates voids in the rock. At
I then moved over to working for the Production Geology Sishen, karstic cavities tend to form in the basal dolomites
department at Kolomela Mine. There was a very noticeable that get dissolved by acidic water that seeps through the
change of pace with respect to how work was conducted ground. Cavities have also, however, formed in numerous
on site. Instead of spending hours at the coreyard trying to other lithologies across the mine, one of them being the
find the contact between ferruginized shale and hematite, manganese marker (an easily erodible layer that lies above
I found myself charging all over Kolomela trying to log and the dolomites). These cavities are typically associated with a
fetch RC chip samples before they were driven over or blasted geological structure (such as a fault) that creates a zone of
to kingdom come by the mining team. Working here gave preferential weathering and erosion over time, causing the
me a good appreciation for efficient data collection and the structure to open up and create a structural cavity.
QAQC processes that followed it. It also greatly helped me to The presence of cavities in the mine poses a significant
understand the important relationships developed between threat to the health and safety of people working in the pit,
the various geology and mining departments. as well as creating the potential for equipment to incur major
damage. It is imperative to detect any cavities, or at the
Next in line was moving over to the Grade Control department very least highlight high-risk areas, as early as reasonably
at Sishen Mine. Slightly slower paced than Production possible (ideally well before mining in the area takes place)
Geology, but with a much bigger hole in the ground to to prevent any harm to people or damage to equipment from
navigate your way around. Thank goodness the speed subsidence-related incidents.
limit there is 60km/hr. Grade Control came with invaluable
exposure to the mining value chain. I then requested to move A detailed hazard map of the 39 area has been created
over to the Geotechnical Engineering department as I saw my that depicts the location of current known cavities and the
career progressing in that direction. It’s been called a “move risks related to these cavities. Based on available drilling
to the dark side” but I’m an optimist and only see the brighter information, structural information (location of major
side (said Luke to Obi-Wan). geological features such as faults or dykes), a hazard
map can be created that can depict the highest risk areas
In my leisure time, I enjoy watching series, gaming and based on the location of known cavities and the geological
spending a lot of time with friends. I enjoy playing the odd structures (which might provide insight into the location of
round of golf but find myself looking for my ball more than unknown cavities, if present). Dewatering sites and rates will
anything else. You get Tiger Woods and then me, always in also be considered, that could have possibly influenced the
the woods. I am a sports fanatic and will talk anyone’s ear formation or expansion of cavities. This can be achieved with
off about rugby or cricket if given half a chance. I am an avid the current designed mining blocks in the 39 area, down to
traveller with a never-ending bucket list of places to visit. five benches (level 11 to 16). This will provide foresight for any
mining activities planned to take place in the area.
Project: Early Detection of If a high-risk area is suspected of containing a cavity, probe
Cavities and Structurally Weak holes can be drilled to detect them and alternative plans can
Zones – Transforming from be made before mining activities take place in that area.
Reactive to Proactive Mining
This project aligns itself with the key Anglo
The aim of this project is to identify potential high-risk areas American values of:
within geological block models with respect to cavity
presence or significant structural weaknesses before any • Safety by achieving zero harm through proactive, rather
mining activities take place. Hazard maps will then be created than reactive mining practices
that highlight the high and low risk areas respectively of each
mining block in a given area and bench level. The project • Collaboration as multiple disciplines are needed for the
focuses on area 39 in South Mine as gravity and survey data successful completion of this project
indicates that this area contains several cavities and other
significant structural-related hazards. • Innovation through finding a new approach to dealing
with the cavity issue
Sishen is situated in a geologically and structurally complex
setting. A wide range of lithologies with differing mechanical If the project is successful in the 39 area, it can be rolled
properties exist in the area. The presence of underground out to other high-risk areas in the mine and potentially be
water and seepage from surface processes coupled with incorporated into the daily/weekly creation of block reports.
numerous geological structures, increases the potential This will also assist the mining department (planning, drilling,
formation of cavities. loading and blasting) in safely planning and conducting their
work. Fewer production losses will also be incurred as mining
activities will be stopped less frequently.

2021 | PIT SYMPOSIUM 15

JUDGES Nandi Sibanyoni

Vanessa Naicker Executive Head of SHE at Anglo American-

Anglo American, Head of Early Talent Kumba Iron Ore
(Global)

Vanessa has global and broad multi-commodity mining Nandi Sibanyoni is an Executive Head of SHE at Anglo
industry experience having worked with operations in American- Kumba Iron Ore with 16 years of experience in the
Australia, Europe, Canada, South America, China, and Africa. SHE field, her responsibility is to drive key strategic imperatives
She started of her working career as a young metallurgical in the safety, health and environment function, ensuring
engineer in the petrochemical industry and then moved into that Kumba is a safe place to work for all our employees
mining some 23 years ago. She has taken on various roles and contractors. Her experience is complemented by a
across the mining value chain. She is a registered professional strong background in safety management, environmental
engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa. management, and community relations. Nandi’s experience
Vanessa holds various board and advisory positions. also spans across Coal and Mineral Sands in both Opencast
and Underground mining. She has a sound knowledge of
In her current role, as Head of Early Talent (Global) Social and Labour Plans, Occupational Health and External
at Anglo American, she is part of a broader strategic Community Affairs. She was further instrumental in driving
workforce planning and learning team. Her work focuses on learning from potentially fatal occurrences by ensured that
understanding the changing nature of work, its impact on the employee awareness to safety protocols were enhanced.
workforce and workplace, adaptive learning pedagogies and
implementing strategies to build and develop young talent Amongst others my career highlights include:
pipelines to support the changing business landscape.
She is an amateur road runner, enjoys a good book, and travel 1. Successful stakeholder establishment of Stakeholder
experiences with her husband and son. engagement plan and its execution for a new mining
project.
16 PIT SYMPOSIUM | 2021
2. Managing safety performance and achieved 100% injury
free days during her reigns.

3. Received an award for managing a positive water balance
and preventing pollution to the natural environment.

4. Lastly mentoring young professionals who are now
remarkable leaders in the industry.

Professor RCW Webber-Youngman

Head of the Department of Mining Engineering,

University of Pretoria

Professor Webber-Youngman graduated from the Ronny obtained his Masters degree (M.Eng) in Mining
Department of Mining Engineering at the University of Engineering and completed his PhD in Mechanical
Pretoria in 1984 and continued his mining career as a mining Engineering, specialising in the energy optimisation of
graduate on Loraine Gold Mines in the Free State, Now Target ventilation, cooling and pumping requirements for hot mines.
mine Harmony Gold. Here Ronny was later appointed as Ronny is a registered professional Engineer (Pr.Eng), a fellow
miner, Shift-boss, Shaft foreman, Mine Overseer production, of the Mine Ventilation Society of South Africa (MVSSA) and
Shaft Mine Overseer and later as Section Manager planning. also a member of the Association of Mine Managers of South
Africa (AMMSA).
Ronny then joined JCI as planning manager at H.J. Joel Gold
Mine, and was later appointed as project Mining Engineer for Ronny also served on the International Society of Mining
the underground Trackless Mining production section at H.J. Professors (SOMP) as Executive member for Africa until
Joel, Free State South Africa, and also acted as production 2019 and was also the President of the SOMP for the
manager. Ronny joined the University of Pretoria as Senior 2013/2014 term of office. Ronny also served as member
Lecturer in the Department of Mining Engineering in 1997, of the Professional Advisory Committee for Mining for ECSA,
responsible for all Mine Ventilation Engineering related which is a statutory appointment up until the end of 2016.
subjects, dissertation projects, Management and Leadership Ronny was appointed as the head of the Department of
and active involvement in mine design and project work. Mining Engineering at the University of Pretoria in 2007 to date
and his term of office as HOD has been extended until the
end of 2023. He is also the current Chairholder for the M&R
Chair in Industry Leadership 4.0 in the department of Mining
Engineering. Ronny is married to Jerina and they have a 14
year old son Liam.

2021 | PIT SYMPOSIUM 17

18 PIT SYMPOSIUM | 2021