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DTSTART:20250101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260416T120000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260416T170000
DTSTAMP:20261024T071741
CREATED:20260611T093942Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T094352Z
UID:281378-1776340800-1776358800@memsa.org.za
SUMMARY:The Ore Room with Mzila Mthenjane
DESCRIPTION:MEMSA Ore Room Explores Global Conflict Risks to South Africa’s Mining Supply Chain \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMEMSA recently hosted another insightful Lunch & Learn – Ore Room session\, bringing together industry leaders for a closed-door discussion on the potential impact of a US/Israel-Iran conflict on South Africa\, with a particular focus on the mining OEM sector. \nThe panel featured representatives from Minerals Council South Africa\, including Matimba Mahange and Mzila Mthenjane\, alongside economist Nezo Sobekwa and freight and logistics specialist Peter Schmidt-Löffler. \nA key theme throughout the discussion was the vulnerability of South Africa’s mining equipment manufacturing sector to geopolitical shocks. Panellists highlighted the importance of localisation\, stronger intra-African trade\, and reducing reliance on fragile global supply chains. Strategic national assets such as Sasol were identified as critical to strengthening the country’s industrial resilience. \nOne word repeatedly surfaced during the session: collaboration. The discussion underscored the need for closer cooperation between industry\, government\, mining companies\, and manufacturers to navigate an increasingly uncertain global environment. \nThe conversation also examined the practical challenges facing OEMs\, including rising fuel costs\, exchange-rate volatility\, supply chain disruptions\, and dependence on imported components. For many manufacturers\, whose products are sold in rand while key inputs are sourced in foreign currencies\, robust risk management and hedging strategies are becoming essential. \nWhile the discussion centred on OEMs\, it was clear that the implications extend far beyond manufacturing\, touching the broader mining sector and South Africa’s economic resilience. \nAs always\, The Ore Room provided a valuable platform for candid discussion\, strategic insight\, and industry engagement on the issues shaping the future of mining\, manufacturing\, and industrial development in South Africa. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n 
URL:https://memsa.org.za/event/281378/
LOCATION:Verdicchio
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260521
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260523
DTSTAMP:20261024T071741
CREATED:20260225T133103Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260528T083539Z
UID:281241-1779321600-1779494399@memsa.org.za
SUMMARY:MEMSA 2026 Innovation for Mining and Excellence Awards
DESCRIPTION:MEMSA 2026 INNOVATION FOR MINING AND EXCELLENCE AWARDS\n\nHosted by the Mining Equipment Manufacturers of South Africa (MEMSA)\, at the Mind Shift Conference the 2026 Innovation for Mining and Excellence Awards\, recognised technologies delivering meaningful impact in mining safety\, productivity\, sustainability and operational performance. \nMEMSA noted that award judging placed equal emphasis on innovation and measurable industry impact. \nMajor Award Winners Included: \nExcellence Award: Future Workforce Builders – Bell Equipment South Africa was recognised for its strong culture of innovation\, apprenticeship development and digital skills integration. While\, Buraaq Mining Services received the SME category award for its artisan training programme and practical technology exposure initiatives. \nExcellence Award: Global Game Changer – AZTEC Innovative Mining Solutions received the award for its globally exported gold tailings treatment technology and commitment to fully local manufacturing. \nInnovation by an SME – Buraaq Mining Services won for its Mechanised Roof Bolter designed to improve underground safety through intelligent control systems and operator protection. \nInnovative Use of Data and AI – Mentormate received the inaugural award for its AI-powered engineering expertise platform tailored to Southern African mining conditions. \nDigital Solutions for Mining – SmartOps was recognised for its Bluetooth Low Energy underground tracking and communication system enabling precise underground positioning. \nInnovation for an Energy Transition in Mining – Gravitas Minerals won for its Chromex Process\, a water-only technology recovering chrome and iron from tailings while reducing energy use and carbon intensity. \nInnovation Towards Zero Harm – HydroPower Systems won for its water-powered remote drilling system enabling safer underground ore pass development. \nInnovation in Mineral Processing – AZTEC Innovative Mining Solutions received the award for its patented reactor technology recovering additional gold from leach tailings. \nInnovation in Surface Mining – Bell Equipment South Africa won for its advanced Motor Grader platform featuring AI-ready architecture and telematics integration. \nInnovation in Soft Rock Mining – SmartOps was recognised for its Cutting Sequence Monitor system using Bluetooth Low Energy mesh networking. \nInnovation in Hard Rock Mining (Navin Singh Award) – Wekaba Engineering received the award for its patented Grout Flower Seal Solution\, improving anchor installation efficiency\, safety and grout retention. \nAs the conference concluded\, delegates expressed strong confidence in South Africa’s engineering capability and mining innovation potential despite growing economic and operational pressures. \nThe MEMSA #MindShift Conference reinforced that the future of mining will belong to organisations capable of combining technology\, industrial agility and human adaptability to solve real operational challenges.
URL:https://memsa.org.za/event/memsa-2026-innovation-for-mining-awards/
LOCATION:IDC Conference Centre\, 19 Fredman Drive\, Sandton\, Gauteng\, 2109\, South Africa
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260521T080000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260522T180000
DTSTAMP:20261024T071741
CREATED:20260217T103230Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260602T143937Z
UID:281155-1779350400-1779472800@memsa.org.za
SUMMARY:MEMSA Mind Shift Conference 2026
DESCRIPTION:MEMSA #MindShift 2026: Innovation\, AI and Industrial Resilience in Focus \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSouth Africa’s mining equipment manufacturing sector marked a major milestone at the 2026 MEMSA #MindShift Conference\, celebrating ten years of industry collaboration while tackling some of mining’s biggest technological and industrial shifts. \nHosted by the Mining Equipment Manufacturers of South Africa (MEMSA)\, the conference brought together mining leaders\, OEMs\, engineers\, researchers and policymakers to explore how South African manufacturers can remain globally competitive in an increasingly digital\, automated and sustainability-driven mining environment. \nA strong message emerged throughout the event: the future of mining will depend as much on mindset\, collaboration and innovation ecosystems as it will on machinery itself. \nOpening the conference\, MEMSA Chair Matimba Mahange urged industry players to “hunt in packs” if South Africa is to innovate and compete globally. That collaborative spirit became one of the defining themes of the conference. \nEven discussions around AI carried a uniquely African perspective\, with the MC referring to AI not only as “Artificial Intelligence\,” but also “African Intelligence” — reinforcing the idea that Africa’s mining future must be shaped by African solutions\, African innovation and African ownership. \nInnovation no longer optional\nThe 2026 #MindShift Conference made it clear that innovation is no longer optional for mining OEMs. \nSouth African manufacturers are facing mounting pressure from global competition\, changing customer expectations\, energy transition demands and increasingly digital mining environments. Yet local companies are also proving that technologies developed within South Africa’s mining ecosystem can compete successfully on the global stage. \nThis was reflected strongly in the Innovation for Mining and Excellence Awards\, which recognised technologies delivering measurable impact in productivity\, safety\, sustainability and operational performance. \nOne of the standout examples was SAMPEC member AZTEC Innovative Mining Solutions\, which received both the Excellence Award: Global Game Changer and the Innovation in Mineral Processing Award. \nIts patented reactor technology enables the recovery of additional gold from as-arising leach tailings through a novel counter-current flow design. Judges described the solution as a globally unique and disruptive technology. \nImportantly\, AZTEC exported 100% of its production output during 2023\, 2024 and 2025 before securing its first South African order in 2026\, a powerful indicator of the global competitiveness of South African mining innovation. \nDigital mining moves beyond digitisation\nAnother dominant theme at #MindShift was the integration of digital capability directly into mining equipment and operations. \nBell Equipment South Africa\, winner of the Innovation in Surface Mining category\, showcased this through its advanced Motor Grader platform featuring telematics\, AI-ready architecture and automation integration capability. \nThe shift reflects how mining customers increasingly expect more than mechanical performance alone — demanding operational visibility\, predictive maintenance and intelligent systems integration. \nDigital innovation was also recognised through awards presented to SmartOps and Mentormate. \nSmartOps received the Digital Solutions for Mining Award for its Bluetooth Low Energy mesh networking system enabling highly accurate underground positioning and real-time communication. The same technology also earned the company the Innovation in Soft Rock Mining Award. \nMentormate\, winner of the inaugural Innovative Use of Data and AI category\, demonstrated how AI is beginning to reshape technical decision-making in mining. Its AI-powered engineering expertise platform provides real-time technical guidance using Southern African mining legislation\, standards and operational case studies. \nThe conference repeatedly reinforced that mining companies are moving beyond simple digitisation toward practical applied intelligence. \nAI\, mindset and African ownership\nDiscussions around AI extended well beyond technology itself. \nDelegates reflected on how the mining industry may be entering the first period in history where white-collar professionals have developed technologies capable of disrupting white-collar jobs at scale. \nYet speakers consistently stressed that the future will belong to organisations capable of adapting rather than resisting technological change. \nOne of the strongest reflections shared during the conference was: \n“A mine is never limited by the depth of its ore body first. It is limited by the depth of its thinking.” \nAnother recurring theme focused on the importance of mindset in shaping industrial competitiveness: \n“What we feed our minds today becomes the infrastructure of tomorrow.” \nJulie Courtnage\, Executive Director of the Mandela Mining Precinct\, noted during discussions that “no country is AI-native\,” reinforcing the idea that every country is navigating the same technological transition and that South Africa has an opportunity to shape globally relevant mining technologies rather than simply importing them. \nIan MacKay\, Associate Director at PwC\, highlighted another strategic advantage\, stressing the need “to mine the valuable data collected over centuries of mining in the country.” Delegates noted that South Africa’s extensive mining history provides enormous operational and geological datasets that could become highly valuable in future AI-driven exploration\, predictive maintenance and operational optimisation systems. \nAt the same time\, caution was raised around technology adoption without capability development. Glen Nwaila\, Director of the African Research Centre for Ore System Science (CORES) at the University of Johannesburg\, noted: \n“Simply giving people new technology can create dependency rather than efficiency.” \nHe emphasised that technology alone does not improve productivity unless supported by skills\, systems\, understanding and ownership. \nChallenges facing OEMs\nWhile the conference celebrated innovation\, it also provided a realistic assessment of the challenges facing South African OEMs. \nInfrastructure instability\, energy constraints\, logistics inefficiencies and rising operating costs continue to affect manufacturing competitiveness. Local manufacturers are also competing against multinational OEMs with far greater scale and access to capital. \nSkills shortages remain another major concern as mining technologies become more advanced and increasingly require expertise across engineering\, automation\, software integration and intelligent systems. \nThis challenge formed part of the rationale behind the Excellence Award: Future Workforce Builders category. Bell Equipment South Africa was recognised for supporting 278 apprentices while integrating digital skills into artisan training programmes. \nBuraaq Mining Services\, winner of both the SME Future Workforce Builders Award and the Innovation by an SME category\, was recognised for its growing artisan training programme and strong culture of continuous learning. \nGrowth and export opportunities\nDespite these pressures\, the overall tone of the conference remained optimistic regarding the future of South African mining manufacturing. \nDelegates repeatedly pointed to growing global demand for safer\, smarter and lower-emission mining technologies as a major opportunity for local OEMs. \nHydroPower Systems\, winner of the Innovation Towards Zero Harm category\, demonstrated this through its water-powered remote drilling system enabling safer underground ore pass development. \nWekaba Engineering’s patented Grout Flower Seal Solution\, winner of the Innovation in Hard Rock Mining category\, illustrated how highly practical South African innovations can achieve meaningful industry adoption\, with more than 1.3-million units already sold. \nMeanwhile\, Gravitas Minerals\, winner of the Innovation for an Energy Transition in Mining category\, showcased how sustainability-focused technologies developed locally may find increasing relevance internationally as mining companies pursue decarbonisation and tailings reduction strategies. \nAs MEMSA celebrated its tenth anniversary\, the #MindShift Conference reinforced one clear message: South Africa’s mining manufacturing sector possesses the engineering capability\, operational experience and innovative capacity to compete globally. \nThe challenge now lies in scaling these innovations\, strengthening industrial ecosystems and ensuring African mining technologies continue shaping the future of mining — locally and internationally. \nAs MEMSA deputy-chair Dr Lynette Magasa concluded: \n“South Africa’s next mining chapter will be shaped by ideas\, courage\, collaboration and people willing to build.” \n\nRead more in the Creamer Media Mining Weekly Article \nSee all the Event Photos  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPanel 1: Mining the Future: Is Africa Ready for the AI Revolution Underground? \nModerator: Mr. Mahene Patrice Benzane \, CEO Smartops Solutions \nPanel: Mr. Phillip Vilakazi\, President\, NUM I Ms. Julie Courtnage\, Executive Director\, Mandela Mining Precinct I Mr. Fleckson Magweregwede\, Research/Centre of Excellence Manager MHSC I Mr. Avhurengwi Nengovhela\, CEO Coaltech I Mr. Setuame Maimele\, Economist Sustainable Growth TIPS \nPanel 2. Smart Mines\, Stronger Value Chains: AI & IoT in Action \nModerator: Mr. Zenzo Nkomo – CEO Lepharo \nPanel: Dr. Sihesenkosi Nhleko\, Academic Representative NWU I Dionne Kerr Malherbe\, Chief Executive Officer Siyakha Consulting I Mr. Louw Steyn\, Patent Attorney & Partner Spoor & Fisher I Mr Mike Teke\, Group CEO Seriti Resources Holdings & FutureCoal Chairman I Ms. Bongi Ntsoelengoe\, Executive Manager\, Mining Cluster Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) I Prof. Glen Nwaila\, Director African Research Centre for Ore System Science (CORES) \nFuel for Thought – Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA) Mind Shift Networking Lunch \nPanel 3. Innovation or Margin? Making Sustainability Pay in Mining \nModerator: Ms. Portia Dube – Head Business Development ECIC \nPanel: Mr Ahmed Kader\, Managing Director CrystalForge I Mr Sipho Marala\, Group Executive Trade\, Investment & Regulatory Enablement GGDA I Mr. Gary Lane\, President SAIMM I Prof. Ashan Mahboob\, Head of the Sibanye-Stillwater Digital Mining Laboratory (DigiMine) University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) School of Mining Engineering\, Wits Mining Institute \nCSIR Fireside Chat ‘Innovation is not a game for one’ \nAn Innovation Conversation\, moderated by Mr. Brian Ncube\, Senior Policy Analyst Minerals Council South Africa\, the panel consists of Mr. Ian MacKay\, PwC Smart Mining\, Dr. Luyolo Mabhali\, Executive Cluster Manager: Future Production Manufacturing\, Ms. Zodwa Mashinini\, Senior Manager: Learning Programmes – Strategic Projects Mining Qualifications Authority \n________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ \nDay 2 – 22 May 2026 \nA presentation by Ms. Caroline Shirindza\, Executive Head Coal Exxaro \n 
URL:https://memsa.org.za/event/memsa-mind-shift-conference-2026/
LOCATION:IDC Conference Centre\, 19 Fredman Drive\, Sandton\, Gauteng\, 2109\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Conference
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20261013T090000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20261013T210000
DTSTAMP:20261024T071741
CREATED:20260615T091617Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261019T061841Z
UID:281393-1791882000-1791925200@memsa.org.za
SUMMARY:MEMSA Annual Golf & Padel Day 2026
DESCRIPTION:MEMSA Celebrates 10 Years of Collaboration\, Innovation and Industry at Annual Golf & Padel Day\n13 October 2026 | Serengeti Golf Estate\, Gauteng \nMEMSA’s 2026 Annual Golf & Padel Day was more than a day of friendly competition. Held at Serengeti Golf Estate on 13 October\, the event marked a significant milestone: 10 years of Mining Equipment Manufacturers of South Africa (MEMSA) championing local manufacturing\, innovation and industry collaboration. \nBringing together MEMSA members\, mining executives\, industry partners\, sponsors and friends\, the anniversary event combined golf\, padel\, networking and celebration\, with a shared commitment to strengthening South Africa’s mining equipment manufacturing sector. \nOpening the evening’s proceedings\, MEMSA Chair Matimba Mahange reflected on the cluster’s beginnings in 2016 and the principle that continues to drive its work: South African manufacturers are stronger together than they are alone. \nOver the past decade\, MEMSA has grown from a small group of manufacturers into a recognised industry voice\, connecting OEMs with mines\, government\, research institutions and international markets. \nFounding member Ulrich Kienle of HPE\, who served as Master of Ceremonies\, reflected on the power of clustering and collaboration. \nMEMSA’s familiar philosophy of “hunting in packs” remains as relevant today as it was ten years ago. By working together\, manufacturers can tackle shared challenges\, develop skills\, advance innovation and pursue opportunities that would be more difficult to access individually. \nCelebrating the Partners Who Make It Possible\nThe event was made possible through the generous support of industry sponsors and partners. \nSpecial appreciation goes to MechProTech\, Golf Title Sponsor\, and Providing Skills Learning Academy\, Padel Title Sponsor\, for helping establish padel as an exciting addition to the annual event. \nMEMSA also extends sincere thanks to all participating sponsors\, guests\, golfers\, and padel players\, whose contributions helped create a memorable day of networking\, camaraderie and celebration. \nThe occasion provided an opportunity to acknowledge the government\, research and industry partners who have supported MEMSA’s journey\, alongside the many members\, board representatives and team members who have contributed to its development. \nPlaying for a Purpose\nBeyond the competition and networking\, the day also supported a worthy cause. \nThis year’s charity beneficiary\, the Boikanyo Foundation\, was given an opportunity to share its work through a special video presentation\, followed by a fundraising auction conducted by former MEMSA CEO Lehlohonolo Molloyi. \nThe initiative reinforced the importance of creating opportunities not only through industrial development\, but also through investment in people and communities. \nHere’s to the Next Decade!\nThe evening concluded with golf and padel prize-giving\, a toast to South Africa and a celebration of the ingenuity\, resilience and determination of its manufacturing sector. \nAs MEMSA looks towards its next decade\, its commitment remains clear: manufacture more locally\, innovate boldly\, develop South African skills and take locally engineered mining technologies to the world. \nThank you to everyone who joined us and helped make MEMSA’s 10th Anniversary Golf & Padel Day such a special occasion. \nRelive the day! Our event photographs are available here: \nhttps://blooom8.pixieset.com/memsa10thyearanniversarycelebration/  To download the images or video\, visitors will need to enter their email address and use the download PIN: 5958. Share your favourite moments using #MEMSAGolfDay.\n\nSave the Date – 21 October 2027! \nBookings are already open for the 2027 MEMSA Annual Golf & Padel Day sponsorship opportunities. Book early and join us for another memorable day of industry networking\, competition and collaboration. \nHere’s to the next ten years of South African manufacturing excellence! \n#MEMSAGolfDay #MEMSA #MiningEquipment #SouthAfricanManufacturing #IndustryCollaboration #MiningInnovation
URL:https://memsa.org.za/event/memsa-annual-golf-day-2026/
LOCATION:Serengeti Golf Estate\, Serengeti Golf Estate\, Johannesburg\, Gauteng\, 1642\, South Africa
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