The South African National Committee on Tunneling (SANCOT) remains active in promoting tunneling and the use of underground space as a committee within the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM).
Between 19 and 22 September 2011 the Center for Mechanised Mining Systems at the University of Witwatersrand held a Tunnel and Raise Boring short course which was supported by SANCOT. The course covered: Geotechnical issues, the mechanics of rock cutting, equipment design considerations, modeling and predicting of performance, project management, engineering support and case studies. SANCOT then held a one day seminar on 31 January 2012 under the same title and with the same content in a summarized form.
SANCOT’s proposed initiative to improve safety in shaft sinking practices has been endorsed by the ITA , and SANCOT have created a Working Group for this purpose. Liaision has been established with ITA WG 5 ‘Health & Safety in Works’ who are keen to see the principles applied internationally.