Geometallurgy 2025
Mineral Asset Valuation 2025
The purpose of this Mineral Asset Valuation Conference is to bring together professionals from the international mining and finance sectors to discuss and debate mineral asset valuation methodologies and best practices in the context of an uncertain and rapidly changing landscape.
In a time of global transformation, the mineral resources sector faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities. From the increasing influence of Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) considerations to the shifting dynamics of the global economy and geopolitics, the valuation of mineral assets must adapt to navigate an uncertain future.
The International Mineral Asset Valuation Conference 2025 serves as a cornerstone for thought leadership, collaboration, and innovation in this evolving field globally. This event will bring together a diverse group of experts, practitioners, and decision-makers to explore solutions and strategies that ensure mineral asset valuations remain relevant, reliable, and responsive to the world’s rapidly changing landscape.
The conference will delve into key aspects shaping the valuation process, offering attendees valuable insights into how the industry can tackle current and emerging challenges.
Join us as we engage in meaningful dialogue, share innovative practices, and build a path toward a sustainable and resilient future for the mineral valuation profession.
The conference in 2025 will be structured around the following Core Themes:
- The application of Best Practice when uncertain
- Value in the context of increasing ESG requirements
- ‘Rules of the Game’ in today’s evolving world order
- The West/East Principles Divide
- The enhancement and destruction of value from technologies and valuation
- IMVAL as the driver for international alignment.
Heavy Minerals 2025
The HMC series of conferences is traditionally focused on mining and processing of heavy minerals. Whilst this conference will still focus on these important aspects, new challenges and opportunities calls for the evolution of the industry.There is a shift in focus to move closer to some of the strategic downstream industries with a focus on improved integration and value chain optimisation. This conference will aim at involving these key downstream industry players to facilitate dialog and knowledge sharing around technical areas where these value chain improvements can be explored. Further to optimizing current value chains, with the recent changes in the global geopolitical landscape, a strong interest for strategic minerals including rare earth elements provide new opportunities for the industry. Development in these provide additional value from the current resources mined. It however requires evolution in how industry approaches geological characterization through to mining and processing to incorporate the rare earth element bearing mineral extraction alongside current value chain.
To support the themes already highlighted for the conference, generational knowledge transfer needs to be effectively addressed to ensure the workforce of the future is enabled to lead the industry evolution. The development of technical professionals entering the industry workforce ranging from traditional training and exposure pathways to new approaches including Artificial Intelligence is seen as a key enabler for the future of the heavy minerals industry.
AfriRock 2025
Afrirock 2025 is an international Rock Mechanics Conference set to take place at Sun City, South Africa. As mining has long been a cornerstone of African economies, Rock Engineering design plays a crucial role in advancing mining operations across the continent. The conference will spotlight cutting-edge technologies such as modern geotechnical data collection techniques, 3D visualization software for geotechnical analysis, computer modelling, mechanization, and more. After the formal sessions, technical visits will be organized to provide attendees the opportunity to gain first hand practical knowledge of South African mines.
Hydrogen and Fuel Cell 2025
Digitalization Transformation in Mining 2025
Whatever terminology you wish to use, it is obvious the world of work is changing rapidly.
The Mining Industry, along the Mining Value Chain, is a part of this; seeking to take advantage of digital opportunities in the quest for competitiveness, sustainability and Zero Harm.
Mining businesses in Africa, as globally, are on this journey purposefully or by default. This event adds to purpose by being a showcase and learning experience for everyone associated with the Mining Industry. We will learn about Global Best Practices, network with global leaders in mining and other businesses, and do so in an exciting and interactive format.
Be prepared to be challenged and informed and to leave excited and better equipped for today’s digital journey.
Mine Closure 2025
MineSafe 2024
The conference is centered on improving safety, health and environmental practices within the mining and metallurgical industry. It seeks to create a platform for knowledge-sharing and idea exchange among various stakeholders, including mining companies, Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), Minerals Council South Africa, labour unions, and health and safety practitioners at all levels within the industry.
The main objectives of the conference are as follows:
Promoting Learning: The conference aims to facilitate a space where attendees can learn from each other’s experiences and best practices. This will help enhance overall safety and environmental standards in the mining and metallurgical sector.
Addressing Safety, Health, and Environment: The conference will focus on discussions related to safety and health issues within the industry, including the well-being of employees, contractors, and local communities. It will also emphasize the importance of reducing the environmental impact of mining and metallurgical processes.
Enhancing Relationships with Local Communities: Recognizing the significance of local communities, the conference will address the issues surrounding their relationship with mining companies. This can include
concerns about environmental effects, community engagement, and socioeconomic impacts.
Zero Harm Approach: The conference will highlight the importance of adopting a ‘zero harm’ approach to health and safety in the mining and metallurgical sector. This means striving for an injury-free and accidentfree workplace.
Value-Based Approach: A value-based approach to health and safety implies that these aspects are not just compliance-driven but are deeply ingrained in the organizational values and culture. This conference aims to encourage discussions and strategies to promote such a value-based approach.
Addressing Key Challenges: The conference will tackle major challenges in the mining industry, such as logistics, energy usage, and safety concerns related to employees, contractors, and communities.
By bringing together diverse stakeholders and sharing their expertise and experiences, this conference hopes to foster a safer and more sustainable mining and metallurgical industry. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration and collective efforts to address the complex challenges faced by the sector.
ESG 2024
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations have become increasingly important in the business world, as it contributes to long-term sustainability and responsible corporate behaviour.
In the minerals industry, ESG considerations are particularly important due to the sector’s significant environmental and social impacts. Mining operations involve land use, energy and water consumption, and waste generation, which have lasting effects on ecosystems. Additionally, the industry faces challenges related to labour practices, community engagement, and the impact on indigenous populations.
An ESG-driven strategy is not only a responsible approach to business but also a strategic imperative for long-term success. It can contribute to risk mitigation, enhances reputation, attracts capital, and fosters innovation, making it a competitive advantage in today’s business landscape. In the mining industry, ESG considerations are crucial for addressing environmental and social challenges and ensuring the industry’s sustainable development.
The role of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) in the promotion of ESG is based on the premise that sustainability, and the contribution of the mining and minerals industry to society, is dependent on the professional and ethical conduct of minerals industry professionals – our members.
On this basis, the purpose and focus of this conference is to influence professional behaviour, and foster industry dialogue on sustainability and responsible mining through Environmental, Social, Governance, and Sustainability-related matters.
We invite you to share your knowledge and experience with an audience of like-minded individuals to inspire growth and change.
SANCOT Symposium 2024
With the continued pace of urbanisation, economic and population growth, the availability of space for necessary infrastructure in the urban environment is becoming a major challenge. This is occurring in conjunction with climate change and a focus on reducing impact on the environment. These are the key factors driving the necessity and relevance of tunnelling, as tunnels are increasingly seen as a means to provide sustainable, safe and reliable provision of transport, electricity, gas, water, sewage facilities and extraction of raw materials.
Whilst the public and private sectors come to terms with the high capital expenditure required for tunnel construction, we live in an age of continued technological development and the application of these technologies presents an opportunity to better and more cost-effectively design, construct, and monitor tunnels. Furthermore, it is imperative that tunnelling consultants and contractors keep up to date with rapidly changing tunnelling technologies in order to remain viable in a competitive industry.
Mintek@90
Battery Materials 2024
The intensified search over the past decade for alternatives to fossil fuels as sources of energy, has led to the development of a number of renewable energy technologies. A major issue with renewable energy sources is its intermittency which requires energy storage. This requirement has led to an exponential growth in the demand for batteries and research into battery technologies. The largest application by far has been in transportation, followed by the balancing of electrical distribution grids.
Of the raw materials required for battery manufacture, metals such as cobalt, manganese, vanadium and to a lesser extent nickel are concentrated in southern Africa. The supply of lithium, on the other hand, is mainly concentrated in Australia, Chile and Argentina with only Zimbabwe boasting significant resources in Africa.
These activities have created both opportunities and challenges. Opportunities such as new value chains for the associated raw materials, with several production companies with battery-material metals in their plant feedstocks undertaking research towards producing battery-grade products.
Challenges such as the means for recycling these batteries once they reach the end of their (first) life.
The aim of this conference is to provide the opportunity for thought leaders in the global battery value chain to exchange ideas on recent developments in the fields of:
- Materials and high-purity intermediates for battery components
– Novel battery chemistries - Flow-battery electrolytes
- Processes for the recycling of batteries
- Market outlook and legislative implications
– New projects and entrepreneurship in the battery industry - Related case studies.
An even sharper focus can be provided by addressing the following questions and hypotheses: - Will future battery developments and applications in southern Africa centre more around bulk energy storage by drawing on regional metal resources and addressing local bulk energy shortages?
- Will lithium-ion batteries continue to dominate most battery applications, with other battery technologies serving only niche applications?
- What (exactly) are the criteria and specifications for battery materials, intermediates and electrolytes required to achieve the envisaged performance and life of the batteries?
– What impact will South Africa’s electrical supply issues have on the local motor manufacturing industry and the market for EVs?
Hydrometallurgy 2024
The world’s dependency on metals has become more evident with the growing demand for metals required to drive advancements in the technological and digital landscape and, the energy transition for a carbon neutral future. This growing demand however, implies that the metal extraction industry will need to play a significant role in providing the world with vast quantities of metals crucial in the building of the necessary infrastructure.
Furthermore, energy and water are two critical inputs in the hydrometallurgical process flowsheets and their increasing shortage suggests the need for the development of processes that take such challenges into consideration. A circular hydrometallurgy approach focusing on innovative research and developments around energy and resource efficient processes based on closing materials and resources loops can therefore, play an important role if the metal extraction sector is to meet the current and future global metal demands. In addition, advancements in the field of artificial intelligence can also allow for the use of innovative tools such as machine learning to better understand, predict and optimise hydrometallurgical processes in a smarter and sustainable manner.
The SAIMM Hydrometallurgy conference, 2024, will bring together internationally and locally recognized scientists and engineers from mining and metal producing companies, project design and implementation entities, equipment and reagent suppliers, research and academic institutions to discuss and share innovative technologies that can assist the global world in meeting the current and future metal demands.
2nd Rare Earths 2024 conference
Due to their unique chemical, catalytic, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties, rare earth metals are critical materials in high-technology applications with irreplaceable application in areas such as medical devices, electric vehicles, energy-efficient lighting, etc. Recent geopolitical instability/challenges, the supply security of REEs is of global concern. Since the global supply chain is currently concentrated in limited jurisdictions such as China and Australia, the need to diversify the supply of these critical materials creates significant opportunities for African countries. The African continent is endowed with some of the world’s largest REE deposits, and as such, it can play a vital role in meeting the growing demand for these critical materials. However, in order to maximize value, there is need to establish and develop capabilities along the value chain. The conference provides a platform for in-depth discussions on the global role of African REE deposits and is designed to stimulate debate on opportunities to grow the African rare earths industry. Overall, the conference seeks to explore the continent’s role in shaping the future of the REEs industry.
The 11th World Conference of Sampling and Blending 2024
The World Conference on Sampling and Blending (WCSB), to be held in South Africa, 21-23 May 2024, is the eleventh such conference to promote the Theory of Sampling (TOS). These conferences provide a meeting place for people interested in sampling theory, practice, experience, applications, and standards. The Conference will provide understanding and insights for academics, manufacturers, engineering firms and practitioners aiming to achieve representative sampling. TOS effectively identifies the source of sampling variability and provides valuable solutions for minimising each source of sampling uncertainty.
The aim of WCSB11 is to invite and encourage the diverse international sampling community to adopt and disseminate the concepts and ideas for a standardized approach to sampling embodied in the TOS. The Conference will also offer a forum for fruitful discussions between statisticians committed to ‘Measurement of Uncertainty’ (MU) and proponents of the TOS by offering a unifying foundation for development of better and more general standards. While the Theory of Sampling had its historical origins in the mining industry, today it also applies to sampling of a broad range of bulk materials, minerals, agricultural raw materials and products, the food, feed, and pharmaceutical industries, as well as sampling for environmental applications. WCSB11 is an event of global significance that aims to improve sampling practices in all sectors of science, technology, and industry, for consultants, managers, sampling and quality control staff, researchers, engineers, and manufacturers operating in many industries, The opportunity to meet, exchange ideas, and share practical experiences will be a significant benefit for attendees.
The proceedings of the Conference will be published in electronic format with a strict adherence to an editorial and peer review policy that will allow academics to attract the publication subsidy for published academic research. Adherence to these standards will enable the wider dissemination of the TOS in international scientific, technological, and industrial sectors. WCSBs have helped to promote the teaching of TOS at universities, with postgraduate courses in TOS being taught in some countries. Pierre Gy Gold Medals are awarded at each WCSB conference to individuals who have been most effective and successful around the world in disseminating and promoting TOS. This achievement will again be celebrated at WCSB11. These medallists are a unified body of champions capable of teaching, promoting, and researching aspects of sampling theory and practice, supporting the efforts of original equipment manufacturers to uphold TOS rules of sample representativeness. WCSB conferences aim to develop a unified vision for specific quality control protocols for sampling and blending activities, with participation and collaboration of industry professionals.
The theme of sustainable science, technology, and industry introduced at WCSB10 is upheld, with emphasis on the UN World Development Goals number 9 and 12, addressing sustainable industry, innovation, and infrastructure, and responsible production and consumption. Topics around societal, industrial, and environmental aspects of particulate sampling in mining, minerals processing, metals, cement, food and feed, agriculture and aquaculture, and pharmaceuticals may be addressed. An emphasis on the TOS, blending, sampling design and its role in metrology, estimation of sampling characteristics and heterogeneity studies, sampling and its effect on exploration, geostatistical studies, and grade control, sampling for feasibility studies and process control, practical applications for analysis and treatment of precious metals, and new technologies are anticipated. Sampling for environmental contamination studies and sustainability are also included. We encourage attendees and authors to contribute to sustainable industries.
Pyrometallurgy 2024
Sustainable Pyrometallurgy - Surviving Today and Thriving Tomorrow
The Southern African Pyrometallurgy Conference series has covered a range of themes since the first edition in 2006. The Southern African Pyrometallurgy 2024 International Conference will structure a programme which covers crucial aspects of this continually evolving and exciting field towards sustainable pyrometallurgy. It is envisaged as an international conference on pyrometallurgy with a Southern African flavour.
Many new developments have taken place in southern African Pyrometallurgical plants since the previous conferences of this series, and it is hoped that this event will provide an update on operational developments.
The conference will cover a wide spectrum of activities within pyrometallurgy. Contributions are anticipated from operating plants, universities, research organisations and engineering companies, so that the full spectrum of pyrometallurgical activities can be covered with a special focus on decarbonisation, energy and resource efficiency and cleaner processes.
International participation is encouraged, with some broad overview papers covering international trends to be presented by experts in various topical technologies and commodities.
Tailings 2023
The SAIMM is proud to announce its 3rd conference around the topic of Tailings. Since the inaugural conference, which raised the profile of tailings and encouraged collaboration between the various role players in the tailings industry, and the 2nd conference, which focused on embracing the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), there has been much progress. Progress in terms of a better understanding of the requirements and implications of the GISTM, progress in terms of improved geotechnical understanding of how tailings dams work, progress in terms of involving stakeholders and progress in terms of working towards improved safety performance through compliance with the GISTM.
There have unfortunately also been further tailings dam failures, which suggests that there is still work to be done and lessons to be learnt.
This conference focuses on the future of tailings for the next generation. In a future of new standards, expectations and possibilities - what opportunities exist? And on the flip side, what are the residual risks? How can tailings be reduced, reclaimed or reused? How can existing technologies be improved, and new technologies become the new normal. What impacts, once considered acceptable, are no longer accepted, and how do we best address these?
Join us in exploring these exciting topics in a forum with participation with all the key role players in the tailings industry.
Young Professionals 2023
The “Empowering Young Professionals for Sustainable and Innovative Mining and Processing Practices” conference promises to be an engaging and informative event that will explore the latest trends, ideas, and innovations in the minerals industry. This conference offers young professionals the opportunity to network with peers and industry experts, establish professional relationships, and collaborate on future projects. A conference dedicated to young professionals emphasises the importance of empowering young professionals to lead the way in driving innovation and sustainability in the South African minerals industry
Heavy Minerals 2023
This series of conferences was started in 1997 and has run since that date. The Conference alternates between South Africa and other heavy mineral producing countries. It provides a forum for an exchange of knowledge in all aspects of heavy minerals, from exploration through processing and product applications. This is a strictly technical conference, and efforts by the Organizing Committee are aimed at preserving its technical nature. The benefit of this focus is that it allows the operators of businesses within this sector to discuss topics not normally covered in such forums. The focus on heavy minerals includes the more obvious minerals such as ilmenite, rutile and zircon; and also other heavy minerals such as garnet, and alusite, and sillimanite
Geometallurgy 2023
The theme of this second geometallurgy conference ‘Geomet meets Big Data’ is inspired by the growing interest and focus on big datasets, machine learning, novel sensors, digital twins and 4IR in the mining industry. The concept of Geometallurgy goes back to some of the earliest mining activities when mineral recognition, mining, separation, and concentration were undertaken simultaneously. Over time, changes in operational structures, product expansion and specialisation ultimately led to the diminishment and breakdown of this holistic approach. In the last two decades, Geometallurgy has become a sophisticated yet entirely logical return to this integrated approach to mine planning. In a world of exponentially increasing ore heterogeneity and metallurgical complexity coupled with a demand for improved sustainability, Geometallurgy is effectively a highly structured, integrated multi-disciplinary collaboration for optimizing the value of an ore deposit. This conference provides a platform for the discussion of some of the newest developments in the fi eld of geometallurgy and a celebration of the success of Geometallurgy integration and value-add.
Digital Transformation in Mining 2023
Hydrogen and Fuel Cell 2023
The primary purpose of the 1st Hydrogen and Fuel Cells conference is the advancement of green hydrogen technologies in Southern Africa and the global community, by highlighting the power of renewable and sustainable technologies and addressing the emerging challenges— through the exploration of fuel cells, hydrogen storage, and hydrogen generation by way of engagement with industry, academia and government.
The conference will provide a platform for high level exchange and networking opportunities with various experts in the field.
The two-day conference will feature high-level scientific talks and posters, complemented with keynote and plenary presentations on country overviews, status of leading and major players in the Southern African and global arena.
Copper Cobalt 2023
The African Copper Belt has experienced a period of some difficulty since the last conference, held in 2018. Owing to the global slowdown in commodity demand during the early stages of the pandemic, many operations scaled down production or were placed on care and maintenance. For those continuing in business, this resulted in considerable focus on process and operating cost optimization, productivity improvements, product quality enhancements, skills development and capacity building, and consolidation of best practice within the industry. Ongoing projects are required to be well-defined and -motivated, and subject to greater technical and financial scrutiny, to ensure that they can rapidly ramp up and deliver immediate value.
The burgeoning global lithium-ion battery market has, however, opened up numerous opportunities in the region for expanded cobalt production and interest in producing high-purity base-metal salts for cathode material applications, as well as consideration of recycling efforts for end-of-life products.
This conference provides a platform for discussion of new and more agile ways of operating and remaining relevant and innovative in a world that has changed considerably since the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Technical topics span the value chain from mineralogy and geometallurgy, through project development, operations and processing, to high-purity value-added products, recycling, and sustainability issues. Selected papers on relevant economic issues will also be considered. Industry operators will be able to share technical experience and practices, meet vendors, and learn about new technologies and processes that can add value to their operations. World-class plenary speakers will offer a unique opportunity to hear first-hand opinions on the status and overview of the industry.
Two Continuing Professional Development short courses are planned. Hydrometallurgy of Cobalt will focus on the various unit operations in cobalt processing, with relevance to the Copperbelt operations. As a new technology now being implemented in the region, Sulfide Flotation will provide an introduction to this topic for metallurgists, covering both fundamental and practical techniques. Both courses will be presented by leading engineers and accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa.
For international participants, this conference offers an ideal opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of and exposure to the African copper–cobalt industry, as well as other base-metal operations and projects in the region, and to better understand the various facets of minerals processing and extraction in this part of the world.
Hosted by the Metallurgy Technical Programme Committee of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM), this conference aims to:
- Promote dialogue between operators, vendors and service providers on common metallurgical challenges facing the industry;
- Enhance understanding of new and existing technologies that can lead to safe and optimal resource utilization;
- Encourage participation and build capacity amongst young and emerging professionals from the Copper Belt region.
The Organizing Committee looks forward to your participation.
Sulphuric Acid 2023
The production of SO2 and sulphuric acid remains a pertinent topic in the Southern African mining and metallurgical industry, especially in view of the strong demand for, and increasing prices of, vital base metals such as cobalt and copper.
The electric car revolution is well underway and demand for cobalt is rocketing. New sulphuric acid plants are being built, comprising both smelters and sulphur burners, as the demand for metals increases. However, these projects take time to plan and construct, and in the interim sulphuric acid is being sourced from far afield, sometimes more than 2000 km away from the place that it is required.
The need for sulphuric acid ‘sinks’ such as phosphate fertilizer plants is also becoming apparent. All of the above factors create both opportunities and issues and supply chain challenges. To ensure that you stay abreast of developments in the industry, the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy invites you to participate in a conference on the production, utilization, safe transportation and conversion of sulphur, sulphuric acid, and SO2 abatement in metallurgical and other processes, to be held in October 2022 in Cape Town.
Mine Impacted Water Conference 2022
SANCOT Symposium 2022
SDIMI 2022 10th International Conference
We celebrate a journey that commenced in 2003 in the historic town of Milos, Greece, when the landmark MILOS DECLARATION was adopted. The MILOS DECLARATION represents a statement of our collective contribution to a sustainable future using scientific, technical, educational, and research skills and knowledge in minerals extraction and utilization that was endorsed by the leading global professional and scientific organizations and institutes representing the minerals professionals. SDIMI 2022 aims to continue with our noble journey by building on the progress we have made since 2003.
To learn more about SDIMI, visit: https://sdimi.org/
Format of the Event
This will be a hybrid conference entailing a real-time, face-to-face component as well as a virtual component.
8th International PGM Conference 2022
The Platinum conference series has covered a range of themes since its inception in 2004, and traditionally addresses the opportunities and challenges facing the platinum industry. This prestigious event attracts key role players and industry leaders through:
• High quality technical papers and presentations
• Facilitating industry networking
• Having large, knowledgeable audiences
• Global participation, and
• Comprehensive support from industry role players.
The 8th International PGM Conference will, under the guidance of the organising committee, structure a programme which covers critical aspects of this continually evolving and exciting industry. The success and relevance of this event to the industry really depends on your participation and support.
You can participate in this event as an organising committee member, author/
THANOS 2022
SOMP 2022
It is with deep honour, that I hereby extend this invitation to you, dear esteemed members, to the 32nd SOMP Conference and annual meeting to be hosted by the Namibian University of Science and technology at the Avani Hotel and Casino, Windhoek, Namibia, from 8-14 September 2022. I wish to extend my fraternal greetings to the delegates, SOMP members, spouses and partners who will travel from around the globe to be part of this landmark conference. From my end, I revere this opportunity; and as we collectively put shoulder to wheel to achieve a successful conference, I wish to call upon your continued and generous cooperation as we prepare for this conference.
Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) is honored to collaborate with Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) and Society of Mining Professors (SOMP) to host the conference and annual meeting. Our thrust to push the frontiers of innovation in minerals engineering is amply demonstrated in our great plans for a centre for minerals resources engineering that will serve the entire sub-Saharan region as the centre of excellence in minerals research and development. As a university, we have been at the forefront of fostering major global collaborations and we are hopeful that we will continue to harness the strengths that derive from continued collaboration, premised on our quest for quality and excellence.
Once again, the conference comes at a time, when the mining industry is grappling with multiple challenges. As a global academic body of respected character, we continue to foster valuable relations with an industry that faces an urgent need to transform its approach to business. The business, stakeholder and technological landscapes are fast evolving, faster than at any juncture in modern history. Therefore, of particular importance, is our ability to define with accuracy, the prevailing global context, as we face a possibly exciting future, while drawing useful lessons from the past as well as a fast dying present. Indeed, the race for ownership of the future is aggressive and acrimonious. At the same time, the call for sustainability and accountability to local communities is more pronounced, as voice continues to be added to expectation, with unparalleled clarity. Our contribution to the mining industry discourse, in the form of relevant research and well-trained graduates, remains a top priority.
Namibia is richly endowed with mineral resources, and the mining industry significantly contributes to the national economy. Namibia also boasts a strategic geographical location, making it a major economic gateway to the southern Africa region. With a stable political climate, diverse cultural heritage, sound infrastructure, and a beautiful climate, this country is a shining jewel on the African continent. I can express it with certainty and confidence, that the warmth of the Namibian people can only be ideal for our delegates and the country has a lot to offer to the delegates, pre-conference and post-conference itinerary.
The program of our Annual General Meeting will follow a participatory and interdisciplinary approach through the following activities; conference presentations, workshops, panels, parallel sessions, poster presentations and open discussions. It will also include a spouses and partners programme, pre-conference and post-conferences technical tours. The accompanying persons program includes tours to the Museum, City tour Windhoek, Game Drive and lunch as well as community tours.
I look forward to a great conference and meeting. I also wish to urge you to explore the unique opportunity to experience our wonderful Namibian hospitality and country during your stay.
We invite you to register from now on for the conference as well as to the technical visits and the accompanying persons program. We recommend that you book your accommodation – in Windhoek – in advance; the demand for hotel rooms in the winter season is very high. However, the hotels mentioned in this document will have a special rate for the conference attendees.
Battery Materials Conference 2022
The intensified search over the past decade for alternatives to fossil-fuels as stores of energy has led to an exponential growth in the demand for batteries and research into battery technologies. The largest application by far has been in transportation, followed by electrical distribution grids.
Of the raw materials required for battery manufacture, metals such as cobalt, manganese and vanadium are highly concentrated in southern Africa. The supply of lithium, on the other hand, is concentrated in Australia, Chile and Argentine.
These activities have created both opportunities and challenges. Opportunities such as new value chains for the associated raw materials, with several production companies with battery-material metals in their plant feedstocks undertaking research towards producing battery-grade products. And challenges such as the means for recycling these batteries once they reach the end of their (first) life.
Tailings 2021
Tailings storage facilities have been a feature of mining operations around the globe since mining began. They are the depositories of waste or gangue material from mining operations and mineral processing plants, or the storage facilities for pollution control. In some cases, they may still contain low grade minerals, high grade fines that are not economically viable to treat. They may also contain reagents and other radioactive or potentially harmful minerals and chemicals, that could damage ecosystems in the event of their escape. Tailings facilities are each in a way unique, either in terms of location, terrain, design and construction. Furthermore, in terms of design and construction, debate occurs globally on the merits and demerits of upstream and downstream facilities, and wet or dry facilities.
Following failures of TSFs over many decades, but especially in the last few years, great pressure from civil society and the investment community has resulted in calls for more stringent standards and audits, as well as public disclosure of the results of risk analysis and monitoring.
This has culminated in the recent publication of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management by ICMM, UNEP and PRI as well as guidance by the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD). At the same time, the Global Mining Professionals Alliance has called on its members to participate actively on a Global Action on Tailings (GAT) group, to ensure cross fertilisation of knowledge and learnings about TSFs across the globe.
In addition, and in response to calls from the Church of England Pensions Board and the Council on Ethics for the Swedish Public Pension Funds, many mining companies conducted deep-dive self-audits during 2019 and 2020 which they published on their websites for public scrutiny.
In South Africa, the SAIMM has convened a Task Group which includes industry professionals, Academia, the SAIMM, and the South African Institute of Civil Engineers (SAICE). This group has formed the organizing committee for the presentation of this very important international conference.
SAMCODES 2021
The conference provides Competent Persons and Competent Valuators the opportunity to prepare and present details of recognised standards and industry benchmarks as well as relate lessons learnt in relation to the declaration of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves and the preparation of valuations.
In addition to providing contributions in respect of good practices and recognised standards and industry benchmarks, the conference aims to provide guidance on the complex issues in grey areas of the Codes.
The SAMCODES conference will incorporate issues such as the implementation of the Codes by The JSE • the relevance of the Codes • some of the lessons learnt since the implementation of the Codes in 2016 • address aspects of SANS 10320 for the declaration of Coal Resources and Coal Reserves • the application of the various methods of valuation and where and when they should be applied in accordance with the SAMVAL Code.
Renewable Solutions for Energy Intensive Industry 2021
The Colloquium on Renewable Solutions for an Energy Intensive Industry will provide an overview of renewable technologies for electricity and process heat commercially available and currently under development. The workshop will host presentations from universities, research institutes and energy supply companies. Presentations from industry on renewable energy applications are also invited.
Global agreements to aim for less than 2°C global warming requires CO2 emissions to achieve net zero by 2060. Energy intensive industries are often criticized for lack of emissions reductions. In addition, carbon tax and its implications for industry necessitates an evaluation of alternatives to fossil fuel use. This colloquium strives to have an open discussion on the technologies available, the barriers to their implementation and how to overcome them.
Announcing PReMA project sponsorship of the Renewable Solutions for Energy Intensive Industry Colloquium:
The PReMA project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement No 820561 to investigate solar thermal preheating technology in manganese ferroalloy production in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and electricity consumption. Come fi nd out about these and other renewable solutions at the Colloquium.
World Gold 2021
The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM), the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM,) and the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) will jointly convene a World Gold Conference every two years. In 2021 the conference will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa and hosted under the auspices of the SAIMM.
Southern African Rare Earths International Conference 2021
The global demand for rare earth elements (REEs) and their alloys has increased enormously in the last few decades. REEs are critical materials in high-technology applications due to their unique chemical, catalytic, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties. In particular, REEs are used in emerging and niche technologies such as medical devices, electric vehicles, energy-efficient lighting, wind turbines, rechargeable batteries, catalytic converters, flat screen televisions, mobile phones. and disk drives. In fact, the 4IR-driven digital revolution will not be possible without the critical rare REEs.
The supply security of rare earth metals is of global concern. The need to diversify the supply of REEs thus creates significant opportunities for southern Africa to contribute to the global supply. In fact, as one of the regions with large REE resources, southern Africa can exploit this window of opportunity and significantly contribute to the sustainable supply of these high-tech materials.
The need to fully participate along the REE value chain has also inspired interest in developing downstream capacity for refining, through the Southern African Centralized Rare Earth Refinery (SACREF). Thus, in order to maximize value from the REEs industry in the region, further discussions on optimizing the REE value chain are needed. This conference, focusing on the optimization of the primary production and refining of rare earth metals, is designed to stimulate debate on growth, creating opportunities for the southern African rare earths industry.
APCOM 2021
APCOM (Applications of Computers and Operations Research in the Minerals Industries) is a series of well established, high-quality international scientific conferences which was started in the early 1960s with the aim of sharing technological advances by engineers and computer scientists in all fields relevant to the mining industry.
Mine Impacted Water: From Waste to Resource
From research to implementation: considering mine impacted water as a resource
Digitalization in Mining 2020
Young Professionals 2021
Innovation and research into mining technology is necessary to position Africa as a world leader in minerals production and beneficiation. The Young Professionals Council is pleased to host a unique, two-day conference that will showcase a broad range of emerging research and innovation from young professionals in the metals and minerals industry. Presentations will focus on new technology, tools and techniques relevant to exploiting Africa’s mineral resources safely, competitively and sustainably.
Diamonds – Source to Use 2020
The Diamonds – Source to Use conference series targets the full spectrum of the diamond pipeline, from exploration through to sales and marketing. The 2020 conference, the eighth in the series, will focus on advances in the mining and metallurgical aspects as well as many of the downstream and related industries