SDIMI Conference

The 10th of a series of the SDIMI (Sustainable Development in the Minerals Industry) conference was held in Windhoek from the 15-20 September 2022, under the leadership of Prof Harmony Musiyarira in collaboration with Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and the Southern Africa Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM). This was a significant turning point for the African continent as the 10th SDIMI International Conference marked its introduction on African and/or Namibian soil since Milos’s Declaration established these conferences in 2003. Hence, the conference represented the culmination of many years of discussions, labor, and dedication.

The objective of SDIMI 2022 was to assist the global mining and minerals industries in their transition to sustainable development. The conference ran under the theme (Making Economies Great through Sustainable Mineral Development). The hybrid conference provided a platform for active discussions entailing real-time, face-to-face components as well as virtual components and covered topics that were broken down as shown below.

 

 

Mining in Africa and its Unique Challenges	Critical and Strategic Minerals
Mining in Protected Areas Artisanal and small-scale mining Uranium Mining Marine Mining Precious Gems	Mining towards a renewable future – lithium, rare earth, etc Circular Economy
Sustainability Issues	Technical Issues
Social License to Operate Mining industry’s response to covid-19: Impact and learning points Economic Sufficiency Fair Trade of Raw Materials (Minerals) Advances in life cycle and sustainability assessment in the industry Policy and Regulatory Frameworks Sustainability across the Value Chain Integration of sustainability thinking into professional education	Mineral Beneficiation Water Stewardship Energy Efficiency Tailings Management Mine Closure and Repurposing case studies Space Mining Seabed Mining

 

60 abstracts were received from experts and practitioners who spoke at the conference about new advances in social, economic, and environmental sustainability as well as technical issues relating to the mining industry in Namibia, Africa, and other parts of the world. “A key challenge remains the ability of the mining industry to meet the needs of a growing population without depriving future generations of the means to meet their own needs.” Prof. Musiyarira affirmed.

The second part of the conference was a unique opportunity to explore and experience our wonderful Namibian hospitality and mining settings in the Swakopmund area. Swakopmund is a notable coastal town, home to the world's oldest desert and the highest dunes in the world that meet the ocean. While in Swakopmund, The SDIMI delegates visited the Husab Uranium Mine, Namibian Uranium Institute, and the Desalination Plant. The adrenaline adventures included quad biking, camel riding, sandboarding, and a crystal energy experience at the Krystal Gallery.

In summary, the delegates attended SDIMI’s world-class presentations and mine tours to gain professional development points and to hear from world-renowned speakers and top industry leaders coupled with networking.

 

More information on SDIMI: SAIMM - SDIMI 2022 10th International Conference-Upcoming Events