13 September 2006
The Department of Minerals and Energy continues to encourage the
beneficiation of South African mineral resources through technology and skills
development in collaboration with the mining industry. Previously, the
department has organised with the mining industry, jewellery workshops aimed at
promoting the use of traditional West African goldsmith techniques. This year
the department is hosting 18 students from a number of selected jewellery
institutions, at the Jewellery Training Workshop that coincides with the Mining
Week and Electra Mining 2006.
The aim of this workshop is to encourage the use of Computer Aided Design
(CAD) and Rapid Prototyping Technology (RPT), to fast track the development of
new product concepts that combine computer based programmes with physical
product manufacturing and to enhance skills in precious metal beneficiation
techniques, in particular platinum jewellery casting. The theme for this year,
"African Designs for the Future" also speaks to the use at the workshop of new
technology such as the hot platinum casting machine, which has been developed
to significantly improve the production efficiency in jewellery manufacturing
and ensure that high quality is maintained.
Selected students from Kgabane, Harmony Jewellery School, Imfundiso Skills
Development, Vukani Ubuntu, Durban Institute of Technology, Tshwane University
of Technology and Technikon Witwatersrand are expected to produce top of the
range designs and platinum jewellery pieces at the end of the training
workshop.
Platinum producers Lonmin, Anglo Platinum, Impala Platinum and Aquarius as
well as gold producer Harmony have made it possible for the students to
participate through their kind sponsorship. The department will continue
working with the industry to promote innovation and access to new technology
that would increase local beneficiation of precious minerals.
The Minister of Minerals and Energy will present awards to the students who
produce the best CAD jewellery design and best manufactured piece on 14
September 2006, at 18h30 at the Theme Park, Gold Reef City.
Enquiries:
Lerato Ntsoko
Deputy Director: Communication
Tel: (012) 317 8045
Fax: (012) 322 4954
Cell: 082 459 2788
Email: lerato.ntsoko@dme.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Minerals and Energy
13 September 2006
Source: Department of Minerals and Energy (http://www.dme.gov.za/)
