South Africa: The Department of Science and Innovation and the Mandela Mining Precinct will launch the South African Mining Extraction Research, Development and Innovation (SAMERDI) research centres on the 2nd of November 2022. The launch event will take place on the side lines of the two-day CSIR conference.
The SAMERDI strategy is focused on the longevity of current mines, mechanised mining systems, advanced orebody knowledge, real-time information management systems and the successful application of technology centred on people. The strategy is implemented by the Mandela Mining Precinct (MMP), which is an initiative of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI).
Welcoming the launch of the research centres, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, said the modernisation of the African mining industry is a necessity for growing the mining industry and for job creation.
“This is the reason that, as South Africa, through the SAMERDI strategy, we are providing the road map on how to work together to develop technological solutions that will contribute towards the survival of this industry,” said Minister Nzimande.
The establishment of the SAMERDI Research centres is crucial to ensuring that the next generation of mining researchers is well trained. The centres are also expected to create new knowledge in different mining strategic focus areas in South Africa.