Mining Ecosystem Embraces Growing Complexity 

As mining becomes a more complex endeavour, mining companies and their technology partners in the minerals ecosystem are rising to the challenge, according to Ralf Hennecke, managing director of Omnia Group company BME. 

“The factors behind recent trends in mining range from geopolitical tensions and fast-changing battery technology to climate change and skills shortages,” he notes. “There has also been a growing focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) good practice, responsible mining, company-community engagement and the just energy transition.” 

In response, closer partnerships have been developing between companies like BME and their customers, and these help to more effectively address these priorities. Underpinning this collaboration has been a joint commitment to safety, operational efficiency, business continuity and people development in the sector. 

In terms of the human factor, BME general manager: technology and marketing, Nishen Hariparsad, highlights recent research into the dearth of skills in many mining-related disciplines.  

“Over 70% of mining leaders have indicated that talent shortages are holding them back from delivering on production targets and strategic objectives,” says Hariparsad. “This clearly indicates a need for mining to make itself more attractive to young talent.” 

He says BME is also aware of this priority, and is embracing technology to forge solutions for mines that help drive their mandate for safety, productivity and sustainability.  

BME’s pioneering work in fields such as electronic detonation and digital blasting tools is creating career opportunities for young professionals in exciting fields like data science and software development, he says. “These efforts are helping to change the face of mining and make it more relevant to a growing range of professional disciplines.”