Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
THE Association of Mine Managers of Zimbabwe (AMMZ) has urged mining companies across the country to embrace smart mining as a strategy to enhance productivity and reduce various forms of losses within their operational processes.
Smart mining represents a contemporary approach that utilises advanced technologies, data analytics, and automation to optimize mining activities, minimise environmental impacts, and enhance worker safety.
This innovative concept transforms traditional mining operations into intelligent, interconnected systems that can make real-time, data-driven decisions.
In an interview, AMMZ president Engineer Abel Makura said smart mining could help Zimbabwe mining companies to be cost-competitive.
“Mining companies will be able to produce at lower costs and in the wake of unfavourable market conditions this helps cushion them against the debilitating effects of lower commodity prices. Such kind of technology is currently available and we call upon mining companies to invest in it and utilise it,” he said.
Giving an example, he said ventilation on demand (VOD), was a key technology that improves the efficiency of ventilation systems in underground mines by delivering fresh air only when and where it’s needed.
Eng Makura said it results in reduced total energy consumption and at the same time improving air quality and safety, while reducing wear and tear on ventilation equipment.
He added: “In this current environment where we are grappling with power supply challenges, VOD comes in handy. Autonomous mining that involves the use of self-driven production equipment that do not require the presence of a physical operator also helps to increase production levels.”
Eng Makura said such equipment capitalise on converting production losses such as operator breaks, sickness, re-entry and mine clearance into available production time.
He said the removal of man-equipment interaction also improves the safety aspect in mines, while digital twinning which is a virtual representation of a system to reflect the physical environment accurately is another smart mining solution that mining companies can utilise.
“It enables them to accurately predict the performance of an operation and allows them to develop and test strategies and see their effect on production before they are applied in real life,” he said.
Eng Makura said mines in Zimbabwe can enhance their sustainability through creating a positive legacy and fostering goodwill with local communities.
He said to achieve this they should conform to environmental, social and governance (ESG) requirements and one such available vehicle is the initiative for responsible mining assurance IRMA initiative.
“IRMA ensures responsible mining practices that acknowledge the economic benefits and the potential social and environmental impacts. By volunteering to be assessed against IRMA’s standards, Zimbabwe mining companies are assessed on their performance on environmental, social and governance issues that form the basis of responsible mining,” he added.
Eng Makura said transparency plays a pivotal role in ethical resource extraction and mines that conform to this standard transparently earn the social capital to operate.
Founded in 1972, AMMZ has spent more than half-a-century dedicated to advancing the science and practice of mining and its associated disciplines like survey, geology, and metallurgy.
With the core mission of enabling an informed and competent mining leadership, the association stands as a beacon of knowledge sharing, integrity, efficiency and innovation.
Eng Makura said they were committed to a results-oriented approach as they strive to foster a spirit of innovation and technological focus that drives the mining industry further.
“Our rich history of 51 years is a testament to our unwavering dedication to the growth and evolution of the mining sector in Zimbabwe. As an affiliate of the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe, we uphold a strong relationship with key industry stakeholders, ensuring our values and mission align with the broader objectives of the mining industry.”
