Master of ceremonies
Minister Susan Shabangu
Chairman of the Mintek Board
CEOs of companies and science councils
Deputy Director-General, Dr Mehlomakhulu
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
It is my great pleasure to join you at this dinner in celebration of Mintek’s 75th anniversary and to share some brief concluding thoughts with you.
The theme that has resonated during this dinner is clearly the need to ensure that Mintek continues to develop technologies that will not only strengthen the competitiveness of our traditional mineral processing and foster new opportunities, but also enhance the well-being of all South Africans.
In this context, I would like to thank Mr Harold Motaung for reminding us, in his opening address, that as Mintek celebrates a history of 75 years of support to the minerals industry, it has within this period firmly established itself as a world leader in the mining industry in the field of metals and minerals technology. Its value to boosting the competitiveness of the South African mining sector is incalculable, given the number of technological breakthroughs engineered in its laboratories and pilot process plants. He has highlighted many projects that were started at Mintek that have been commercialised and are being used in operating plants around the world. I could not agree with you more that national minerals processing technology resource base has been created, making Mintek a unique centre of excellence in the world of mining.
Minister Shabangu in her keynote address reminded us that there are still a number of challenges that must be dealt with in the mining sector, some of which have arisen because of the global recession. The slump in demand for commodities and falling prices calls for rapid changes, raising particular opportunities and challenges for South Africa. She has implored all of us to use the crisis as an opportunity to learn from the past and invest strategically in assets that will maximise long term growth, and in beneficiation projects that can enhance the value of our exports and create sustainable jobs. As we move forward it will remain a challenge to attract students and retain skills and experience so that we can develop our mineral and metal technologies further.
We at the Department of Science and Technology (DST) have also been trying to find synergies with Mintek, ensuring that, among other things, we support associated downstream industries, which have an important role to play in the process of creating a competitive and knowledge based economy. The Department of Science and Technology has developed the ten year innovation plan for South Africa, focusing on the need for our country to innovate. This is a long and difficult journey, but one that is crucial if we wish to address key challenges like poverty to create a better life for all. It also requires us to look at how we can use our existing economic strengths in the best way possible. The innovation plan has requirements for increased interaction between government departments, research and development organisations and industry, as well as for human resource development.
Mintek has responded to these challenges with a number of initiatives. Mintek’s Project AuTEK has achieved excellent results in the development of gold technology for application in catalysis, nanotechnology, and biomedical science, in particular new treatments for malaria, Aids, rheumatoid arthritis and even cancer.
Mintek’s Mineral Economics Strategy Unit, a leader in mineral-economics and sustainable development in Africa is working with the DST in establishing a framework for an African Mining and Geosciences Research and Development Programme.
The DST/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre was set up in 2007 as a multi user, national facility that is geographically spread across South Africa, undertaking key research in health, mining and minerals, and water. For South Africa, the most exciting part is the potential that nanotechnology holds to change the lives of the disadvantaged.
Mintek, together with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, the Nuclear Energy Council of South Africa, universities, industry, and several government departments, is a key driver of the DST’s Advanced Metals Initiative, which aims to develop advanced technologies for new products and industries. The Precious Metals Development Network, coordinated by Mintek, aims to add value and retain the precious metals value matrix in South Africa. As a key government partner, Mintek is making a significant and valuable contribution to government’s stated objectives of downstream value adding and innovation.
In order for these initiatives to make the required impact, high level engineering and scientific competence need to be expanded and consolidated within the mining, mineral processing and metallurgical terrain. The DST’s ten year innovation plan sees the increase of human capital as key in making South Africa’s economy a knowledge economy. We appreciate Mintek’s support in the implementation of various DST human capital development initiatives, including the Research Professional Development Programme and DST/National Research Foundation Internship Programme. Another role in which Mintek has truly excelled in is raising public awareness, and launching and maintaining outreach programmes to promote science and engineering.
We urge Mintek, the broader research community and industry to assist new entrants to our mining industry, address key areas of the mining charter and the beneficiation strategy, and continue contributing towards human resources development and poverty alleviation. The collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, our science councils, universities, industry and government, are necessary. Let us work together to make an impact on growth and development in a sustainable manner in areas that matter to all the people of South Africa.
I trust that you will enjoy the rest of the evening.
Thank you.
Issued by: Department of Science and Technology
6 June 2009
Source: Department of Science and Technology (http://www.dst.gov.za)
