In the heart of industries lies an evolving landscape where innovation intertwines with tradition and progress marches hand in hand with sustainability. Connie Chijara, an Industrial Engineering who holds the role of a Business Scientist at Vuuma Collaborations, sheds light on the transformative journey of the mining sector into the era of Mining 4.0.
Chijara emphasises the importance of technology in accelerating production, ensuring top-notch quality, and ensuring comfort for everyone, while prioritising safety and quality standards.
She said mining 4.0 is a dramaticchange involving the integration of advanced technologies like automation, AI, and data analytics to revolutionize all aspects of mining operations. It’s about more than just extracting resources; it’s about optimising processes, improving operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability, marking the fourth industrial revolution in mining, and transforming the way operations are conducted and managed.
An article by Mining Review Africa stated that, in the technological age, mining 4.0 is changing the industry. This digital revolution, driven by new technologies, promises efficiency, safety, and sustainable resource exploitation.
With a background in business science, Chijara sees organisations as dynamic systems ripe for optimisation using proven methodologies and tools.
The 27-year-old serves as a catalyst for innovation and transformation within organizations, leveraging her scientific acumen and analytical thinking to drive business success. “I get to use my scientific regard and analytical thinking to drive business success,” she explains.
The journey to becoming a business scientist wasn’t linear for Chijara. She completed her undergraduate degree in industrial engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand in 2019.
She highlighted that she has always had an interest in business and science, tracing her path back to high school, where an unconventional blend of accounting and physics sparked her curiosity.
She began her career at Vuuma Collaborations, where she has gained skills in implementing the operating model, operations system capability, and business improvement tools within the company.
It was through mentorship and exposure to industrial engineering that she found her niche—a perfect fusion of engineering and business, culminating in her journey into the mining industry.
She currently serves as the secretary for the Young Professionals Council of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, where she also acts as the membership champion, focusing on expanding outreach to young professionals transitioning from university into the workforce, as well as supporting those navigating their careers.
The mining industry, once perceived as traditional and resistant to change, is undergoing a rapid evolution under the banner of Mining 4.0. From gold to coal mining, Chijara has witnessed firsthand the industry’s dynamic transformation.
“The mining industry is evolving rapidly,” she highlighted, acknowledging its adaptability and resilience in embracing technological advancements.
Mining 4.0 isn’t just about embracing the latest gadgets; it’s about fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. It’s about engraving a legacy of responsible resource management and environmental stewardship while meeting the demands of a rapidly changing world.
With the mining industry faced with the challenges of the current digital era, individuals like Chijara embody the spirit of progress and innovation, steering the industry towards a future where efficiency, sustainability, and success go hand in hand.
Looking ahead, Chijara believes that young people offer a fresh perspective on traditional events, making them crucial in the industry.
“They are more familiar with Industry 4.0 and can help organizations adapt technology and use data to drive decision-making. Therefore, it is essential to have more young people in this space to benefit from their insights,” she said.
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