The close relationship of the Department of Mining Engineering at the University of Pretoria with its alumni was highlighted again recently when final-year students were invited to witness the end of an era for the shortwall mining method in South Africa at Exxaro’s Matla coal-mining operations in Mpumalanga. 

According to Livhuhani Nemabaka, Mine Manager of Exxaro’s Matla operations, 20 km west of Kriel, this method of mining is an adaptation of the longwall, high-extraction method. It has been used to extract millions of tons of coal over the past two decades. “This amidst challenging geology and rolling coal, rock stresses and face break,” he remarks. “Although companies that are proficient in longwalling will call this impossible, Matla has done it!”

Prof Francois Malan, Head of the Department of Mining Engineering, joined two of the Department’s teaching staff and the final-year class on a visit to the Matla operations. They learnt about the planning and execution of proper shortwall practices, as Matla has achieved over many years. While the theory can be explained in class, and immersive technology can be used to mimic the experience, the smell of oil, grease, coal and rock stresses turned this into a reality for the students. “Industry visits such as these form an integral part of educating the mining engineer of the future,” explains Prof Malan.

This was a truly memorable experience. Kudos to safe, high-extraction methods executed to perfection.