

The 2019 Speakers
2019 FEATURED INDUSTRY EXPERTS
01
Managing Director

Mr. Bokang Kelepa
Baletsema Mining Services
Mr. Bokang Kelepa is a Mining Engineer that has worked in both underground and Open Cast mines. he has led various projects and was part of a team that led a multi-billion Rand project, getting it approved from the feasibility study through to execution. The execution plan that he had put in place was reviewed by international experts who had the power to reject, the result was it being referred to as “Exceptional”
The Speakers
Prof. Serkan Saydam
University of New South Wales
Professor Serkan Saydam is a Professor with international work experience in the mining industry, research, education, and consultancy in four different countries; Turkey, South Africa, the US, and Australia. He is currently working at UNSW’s School of Minerals and Energy Resources Engineering. In 2011, he innovated a new concept to enhance learning in mining engineering education, named ViMINE.

02
Professor
03
Research Associate

Dr. Mbuyu Sumbwanyambe
UNISA
Dr. Mbuyu Sumbwanyambe is a professional and highly qualified engineer with excellent organisational and team working skills. His research interests are in the following amongst others:
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MANETs simulation & mobility modeling
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Wireless technologies
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Short-range wireless communication and wireless sensors for the control of renewable energy and energy efficiency purposes
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Pricing of different radio access technologies
Prof. Peter Knights
University of Queensland
Professor Peter Knights is a Professor and head of the division of Mining Engineering at the Univesity of Queensland. His interests are in applied mining research, asset management, equipment reliability, innovative surface mining systems, and tertiary education.

04
Professor
05
Deputy General Manager

Mr. Elad Abb0
Israel Aerospace Industries
Mr. Elad Abbo is an Experienced Program leader and Business Development Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the autonomous vehicle industry and unmanned aviation sector. He has strong business development professional skills in Entrepreneurship, Operational Planning, Systems Engineering, and Marketing.
Mr. Richard Madhopershad
Mine Health and Safety Council
Mr. Richard Madhopershad is a highly experienced Mining Engineer and a Research Determination Specialist with the Mine Health and Safety Council. He has 16 years of deep-level mining, 10 years in senior management, 7 years of pillar mining experience. He has fulfilled various positions in his tenor at various mining houses. He is also a coach, entrepreneur and project manager.

06
Research Determination Specialist
07
Manager, Business Optimisation

Mr. Pleasure Mnisi
Exxaro
Mr. Pleasure Mnisi is an internationally experienced Change Agent and Business Optimisation Manager. With over 10 years experience in mining (South Africa, Australia and Chile). Five years in Manufacturing Industries, where he was certified a World Class Manufacturing Instructor in England, London (2004) after intense training in France at the tender age of 23.
..... Pleasure Mnisi is a true Industrialist whose dream is to Make Every Traditional Large Company or Organisation Feel Like A Start Up!
The Panelists
Presentations - 2019
UNISA
Rise of Machines: AI & Disruptive Technologies in Africa
Dr. M. Sumbwanyambe
Israel Aerospace Industries
Autonomous Mining Solutions
Mr. Elad Abbo
University of Queensland
Industry 4.0 initiatives in Australian Mining
Prof. Peter Knights
University of New South Wales
Future Smart Mining
Prof. Serkan Saydam
Mine Health and Safety Council
Overview of the Mine Health and Safety Council
Mr. Richard Madhopershad
Exxaro
How to Make a Traditional Mining Organisation feel like a Startup - Mr. Pleasure Mnisi
01
DAY
6
PANELISTS
100
PARTICIPANTS

The Venue
UNISA Science Campus (Florida)
Corner Christiaan De Wet & Pioneer
GJ Gerwel Building
UNISA is Africa’s leading long distance learning institution with various campuses situated across South Africa. The university attracts students from all over the world. UNISA Florida is a Science Campus Regional Service Centre located in Roodepoort, Johannesburg. UNISA offers internationally accredited qualifications with 3 core business areas focusing on teaching, research, and community engagement
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