In 2016, VBKOM, together with the University of Pretoria, launched a comprehensive training program to equip industry professionals with a deep understanding of the mining value chain. The program Initially focussed on open pit mining techniques specific to South Africa, but has since expanded to include a wide range of underground mining methods. From 11 to 15 November 2024, a team of VBKOM mining industry experts shared their knowledge and expertise with delegates at the Protea Hotel Loftus Park in Pretoria.

Image: Brandon Okhuis with the 2024 Delegates

This bespoke short course in Open Pit Mine Planning and Design enables delegates to learn the fundamental theory of open pit mining and its practical application, whilst providing the opportunity to interact with industry experts.

The Open Pit Mining portion of the course covers exploration, geology and geology modelling, blockmodeling and Mineral Resource estimation, pit optimisation, physical pit design and scheduling, equipment and mining cost modelling, slope stability, and risk assessment in open pit mining, amongst other topics.

Image: Divine Ile, Mining Engineer at VBKOM (left), and Chantelle Obermeyer, Principal Geologist at VBKOM (right)

Image: Laurence Hope, Senior Geologist at VBKOM (left), and Elaine Ringdahl, Mining Engineer at VBKOM (right)

Image: Brandon Okhuis, Senior Mining Engineer at VBKOM (left), and Christiaan Botha, Senior Mining Engineer at VBKOM (right)

Image: Dr Mientjie van der Vyver, Principal Metallurgist at VBKOM (left), and Brandon Okhuis, Senior Mining Engineer at VBKOM (right)

Image: Maria Antoniades, Senior Geologist at VBKOM

The Introduction to Underground Mining component of the course equips delegates with the foundational knowledge required to understand and assess the fundamental principles of the interplay between open pit and underground mining, as well as the selection of appropriate underground mining methods. The material presented within this section includes, but is not limited to:

• Practical considerations for the selection of underground mining methods
• Transitioning from open pit mining to underground mining
• Orebody analysis and design considerations, including geotechnical constraints
• Underground mining methods: soft rock and hard rock
• Mining equipment selection  
• Economic impacts of underground mining methods

Emphasis is placed on a holistic approach to open pit mining, recognising the importance of considering the social, environmental, and economic impacts of mining on communities and Africa as a whole, whilst ensuring that mining operations align with the strategic and tactical objectives of the business.

The course facilitators were:

• Maria Antoniades: BSc Hons (Gly), MSc (Env.Sci.) Pr.Sci.Nat., MGSSA, MSAIMM
• Divine Ile: MEng (Mining)
• Elaine Ringdahl: BEng (Mining)
• Chantelle Obermeyer: BSc Hons (Gly), MSc (Gly) Pr.Sci.Nat.
• Laurence Hope: NHD Economic Geology, Pr.Sci.Nat.
• Brandon Okhuis: BEng Hons (Mining)
• Christiaan Botha: BEng Hons (Mining)
• Mientjie van der Vyver: MSc (Metallurgy), PhD (Metallurgy), SACNASP

This year, the associate course facilitators were:

• Wolter de Graaf: BEng (Mining), PrEng, MMCC
• Henk Fourie: BEng (Mining), PrEng, MMCC

VBKOM looks forward to continuing the Open Pit Mine Planning and Design short course in collaboration with Enterprises UP in an effort to contribute to the overall growth of the global market.