INTRODUCTION
The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) is a key player in ensuring a skilled, adaptable, and inclusive workforce for the dynamic South African mining and minerals sector (MMS). In fulfilling this mandate, the MQA actively conducts research to identify critical trends, challenges, and opportunities impacting the skills landscape.
This MQA is planning to host an Inaugural Research Colloquium that is envisaged to be held physically. This event will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaborative discussion on the relevant and updated issues shaping the future of the mining workforce.
It will showcase the MQA’s commitment to applied research that yield empirical based evidence to inform sectoral skills planning and guide conceptualisation and implementation of skills intervention in the MMS.
BACKGROUND
Previous studies conducted by the MQA revealed that the South African Mining and Minerals Sector (MMS) is undergoing significant transformations with complex and evolving skills requirements. From the growing demand for the integration of Industry 4.0 (4IR) technologies to the need for a more inclusive workforce, the industry requires a future-proofed approach to skills development.
Recognising the importance of staying ahead of these evolving trends, the MQA has commissioned a series of research studies over the past years. These studies have provided the MQA with a rich repository of data and a deeper understanding of the complex challenges and opportunities facing the MMS. The inaugural MQA Research Colloquium will serve as a platform to share these valuable insights and foster collaborative discussions on shaping the future of the mining workforce.
PURPOSE
The research colloquium will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaborative discussion on critical issues shaping the future of the mining workforce. It will showcase the MQA’s commitment to evidence-based decision-making in skills development for the MMS.
OBJECTIVE
The research colloquium is intended to:
- Disseminate findings from key MQA research studies conducted over the past years.
- Gather feedback, suggestions, and critiques from colleagues, which can help improve the quality of their research within the MQA.
- Spark dialogue among stakeholders on catalyst and transformation related topics including the assessment of socio-economic changes of ex-mineworkers, access and mobility within the MMS, and the impact of Industry 4IR on occupational profiles.
- Identify opportunities for collaboration on future skills development initiatives.
- Deepen the MQA’s role in supporting a skilled and inclusive mining workforce.
The event will take the format of a hybrid event.
The following research topics will form part of the Plenary session of the event:
- The Overview of the Mining and Minerals Sector
- The Skills Development Support for Ex-Mineworkers in the Mining and Minerals Sector
- The Nature and Extent of 4IR Innovation and Related Impact on Occupational Profiling in the Mining and Minerals Sector
- Factors Impeding Attainment of Equity Targets with Respect to People With Disabilities in the Mining and Minerals Sector
The following research topics will form part of the Breakaway sessions of the event:
- Challenges and Opportunities for Small-Scale Mining in the South African Economy
- A Comprehensive Review of Existing Artisan Development Programmes in the Mining and Minerals Sector
- Examining the Skills Levels and Knowledge Gaps of the Existing OHS Representatives in the Mining and Minerals Sector
The in-person session will take place as follows:
- Date: 26 September 2024
- Time: 07H30 – 15H00
- Venue: Mintek
Only stakeholders who who have confirmed for the physical session will be allowed to attend.
Webinar Session
- Date: 26 September 2024
- Time: 09H00 – 15H00
- Platform: Microsoft Teams
- Registration Link