T he successful development, well under way, of what is Botswana’s third coal mine is in no small part down to the contribution of professional services by independent geological consultants Gemecs, with the company playing an extensive role in the exploration, resource modelling and mine planning stages of the mine, says MD and consulting geologist Nico Denner.

The mine – located near Mookane in the Mmamabula Coal Field, of Central Botswana – will use opencast and underground mining methods and is designed to produce 1.2-million tonnes a year of coal. The mine holds a resource of 94-million tonnes.

The boxcut overburden at the mine site is being removed, after which the initial production of coal is planned for later this year.

The Phase 1 mine plan earmarks a production target of 100 000 t a month, but this could be increased to 300 000 t a month subject to the construction of the Waterberg rail link and the establishment of a second mine, as well as the subsequent demand in the coal market, says Denner.

Gemecs plans to garner a stronger presence in Botswana to play an integral part in future projects as the coal mining industry develops.

Denner adds that the company focuses on the coal resource value chain, providing services from prospect permit desktop studies, exploration planning and management, core logging and sampling services, to geological database services.

“We also have the expertise to engage in geological modelling, coal resource reporting and competent person reporting,” he enthuses.

In addition, the company works with mine planning consultants and various technical expertise to ensure accurate short- and long-term mine plans for clients while assisting with production-related support, as is required on an ongoing basis.

Gemecs is also skilled at generating geological models and database audits, which are often required by large mining houses’ in-house procedures and external requirements.

How its Done

Gemecs uses a range of quality specialised software, such as the GEOVIA Minex platform, for modelling.

“We have also recently acquired 3D geological modelling and mine design software Minescape, which will help us ensure we stay the industry leaders in the coal consulting business,” Denner notes.

The company plans to train its own employees on the software in terms of not only geological functionality, but also covering the mine design and planning modules to provide these services in-house.

He adds that Minescape is ideal to use, based on its applicability to interpret geological borehole data, geological models, and mine design and planning. The software consolidates this data on one platform, thereby ensuring a seamless flow of data and enhanced service delivery to Gemecs’ clients.

For its geological database systems, Denner says software company Micromine’s Geobank is the preferred software, as its use of high-end platforms ensures quality data storage for Gemecs’ clients and verification platforms.

Meanwhile, owing to environmental pressures and external support for alternative energy sources, there has been “great uncertainty” regarding the coal industry, but Gemecs stays informed and educated on the uses of coal and clean coal technologies by actively engaging with the industry, he adds.

In this vein, Gemecs has been “instrumental” in helping organise and support coal and carbon advocacy group FFF Carbon’s Coal Conference, held in Middelburg, to communicate and debate the future of coal mining in South Africa.

“Gemecs also participates with industry leaders and other organisations, such as Future Coal, to stay educated and provide an industry link to clients,” concludes Denner.