Conference Publications

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A digital twin framework to support vehicle interaction risk management in the mining industry
(2023-08) Verster, Jacobus J; Roux, Pieter W; Magweregwede, Fleckson; De Ronde, Willis; Crafford, Gerrie; Mashaba, Mathews M; Turundu, Safiya L; Mpofu, Mvikel; Prinsloo, Jacobus V; Ferreira, Pieta; Brodner, Hartmut D
In recent years, transport-related accidents, notably those involving trackless mobile machinery (TMM), have consistently ranked among the top three causes of fatalities and injuries in the South African mining industry (SAMI) [1]. These accidents arise from a combination of mechanical and technical malfunctions, environmental factors, and human or machine operator errors. Remarkably, these incidents persist despite the existence of specific regulations, standards, and codes of practice for transportation and machinery. This paper introduces a digital twin framework for TMM, which employs a systems engineering approach combined with software tools and computational analysis. This framework aims to enhance the current regulations by offering a continuous, quantitative risk assessment. By modelling and detecting non-conformance and adverse vehicle interaction events, the framework provides a quantitative risk analysis that complements the prevailing qualitative methods reliant on historical data and operational experience. A case study conducted at the CSIR main campus in Pretoria showcases the potential of the TMM Digital Twin.
Acoustic device for recording and tracking rock hazards on the mining face
(2024-09) Greeff, Heinrich; Pienaar, M; Hanekom, Johan WL
To enhance personnel safety and operational efficiency in underground mining, this project introduces an innovative acoustic device for recording and tracking rock hazards on the mining face. This system combines advanced acoustic analysis with an ultra-wideband (UWB) location system to interpret sounds produced during rock mass sounding and scaling. The location system is georeferenced to the mine’s local coordinate system using available survey pegs. By integrating these technologies, each acoustic data point includes a spatial XYZ coordinate which facilitates tracking of loose rock locations throughout the mining excavation process. This dual-sensory approach advances previous methods by leveraging the innovation of acoustic technology and tailoring algorithms to specific rock types, enhanced by the tracking function so that rock hazards encountered underground can be mapped and communicated to the operational team. The collected data offers a systematic approach to hazard identification and enhances mine designs and operational strategies by providing insights into the dynamic response of the rock mass during excavation under different mining conditions. This project offers a new approach to proactive hazard management, potentially transforming how mines are operated and mine designs monitored to ensure safety and efficiency.
Assessment of modern training innovations for supervisors and trainers in the South African Mining Sector
(2025-06) Van Schoor, Abraham M; De Kock, N; Khan, Sumaya; Müller, R; Van Rensburg, R; Govindasamy, K; Botha, W; Maphalala, Busisiwe V; Mpofu, Mvikel; Pelders, Jodi L; Ramparsad, S
As the mining industry modernises, skills development needs to be a priority. The aim of this paper was to develop guidelines that consider the assessment of modern training solutions for supervisors and trainers in modern mining. A literature review was conducted on best-practice criteria for the evaluation of modern mining upskilling and reskilling solutions. A draft evaluation matrix was developed based on the literature review insights and incorporated 48 best-practice criteria for the assessment of training solutions. The assessment instrument was applied to training curriculums for supervisors and trainers of two participant entities. Data gathering included assessments of the training solutions, and an industry panel review process. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats, and gap analyses were undertaken. Key insights were revealed for the respective training solutions. Recommendations included continuous review and improvement of the curriculum for alignment to mining modernisation skills needs, including consideration of modern training methodologies and facilitation; revised content and assessments; skills and training required for modernisation; tracking of graduates and learner feedback; better alignment with modernisation objectives and industry skills needs, increased focus on safety and risk assessment and control; and more immersive learning experiences. While sample training innovations were selected for evaluation, the recommendations remain relevant for training entities looking to align to their curriculum to mining modernisation skills needs and industry skills demands for modernisation.
Change impact evaluation dashboard for the adoption of modern mining technologies
(2024-10) Botha, W; Muller, R; De Kock, M; De Kock, M; Pelders, Jodi L; Ramparsad, S
Change management is imperative for the adoption of new technologies, and the impact of changes needs to be understood and measured. This paper is based on a project funded by the Successful Application of Technologies Centered Around People (SATCAP) programme. The aim of this project was to verify a Change Management Blueprint for gold, zinc and platinum group metals (PGms) and interlink it to Change Impact Evaluation (IE) dashboard.
Communications and engagement tool for local suppliers and small, medium enterprises
(2023-06) Naidoo, P; Khan, Sumaya; Swettenham, T; Ramparsad, S
With mining modernisation, the awareness of communities' social and economic needs is important for a sustainable socio-economic environment. Meaningful engagement and communication with communities is critical. This project entailed the development of a communications and engagement tool for local suppliers and small, medium and micro enterprises to support localisation at mine communities and improve local procurement for local economic development. The tool development was informed by a literature review, data gathering, pilot studies and validation sessions. The tool is a web-based digital application that includes five features: checklists, frequently asked questions, notice board, resource library and query submission. The tool, a user-guideline and video were developed for potential use by South African gold and platinum group metal mines. The tool is not meant to replace current systems or processes at mines but rather to complement them. The tool is customisable, may enable decision-making and aimed at improving local procurement processes.
Community social-needs assessment tool
(2023-06) Likaku, Y; Pelders, Jodi L; Bull, S; Swettenham, T; Ramparsad, S
Mining, mining modernisation, and eventual mine closure have impacts on mine communities, and an understanding of community socio-economic needs is necessary. This understanding is further important for the conceptualisation of communities that are self-sustainable beyond the closure of mines. The aim of the project was to develop a community social-needs assessment tool for potential use by gold and platinum group metal mines. The project was informed by desktop research, literature review and stakeholder engagement, and the tool was developed for use and piloted with industry partners. The assessment tool that was developed comprises of questionnaires for small, medium, and micro enterprises, community members, community-based organisations and non-governmental organisations, a notice board, and a resource library of useful information. Implementation of the tool is expected to generate an improved understanding of community socio-economic needs towards shared value creation to support environmental, social and governance agendas.
Competency-based training for mine emergency response
(2025-06) Lange, Pieter; Bergh, Adriaan V; Pelders, Jodi L; Khan, Sumaya
Mine workers are exposed to hazards that can cause injuries or fatalities, including fires, underground explosions, irrespirable, falls of ground and mobile machinery. Emergency preparedness is important for improved safety outcomes and includes the deployment of self-contained self-rescuer (SCSR devices, effective escape routes, and adequately located refuge bays. The need has been identified for improved training solutions or mine worker escape situations, which should provide some exposure to the stressors that would be experienced. The CSIR mining Cluster has developed innovative multimodal competency-based training modules to improve the emergency response of mine employess. The modules include interactive e-learning, virtual reality training, SCSR donning and breathing simulation, and competency-based assessments. A pilot study was successfully completed with participation from a major coal mining operation. The competency-based approach improves the overall efficiency of the training and is especially well-suited to training for high-consequence, low-frequency scenarios.
CSIR Dynamometer testing facility: Woven, brake liner, tests
(2024-09) Teleka, Ruth
The mining industry uses winder drums to hoist people and material in and out of shafts. Previously accidents have led to fatalities due to uncontrolled movement of such winders. Safety devices such as brakes are installed on the winders, and brake liners must be replaced periodically to assure safety. Quality testing and verification are also undertaken on brake liner samples.
Mitigating the rock fall and rockburst risk in South African gold and platinum mines through advanced knowledge of the ore body
(2023-10) Pienaar, M; Durrheim, RJ; Manzi, MSD; Nwaila, GT; Grobler, HCI; Kgarume, Thabang E; Pretorius, Dean D; Van Schoor, Michael; Oberholster, AJ
The Mandela Mining Precinct was launched in 2018 with the goal of modernizing the South African mining industry. It comprises three major initiatives that seek to improve efficiency, health and safety in current mining operations; develop fully mechanized systems to mine narrow tabular ore bodies in hard rock; and develop non-explosive rock-breaking systems. The crosscutting Advanced Orebody Knowledge (AOK) program seeks to develop technologies to characterize the rock mass ahead of mining and identify potentially hazardous geological features. Mining methods, layouts and rock support systems will be adjusted accordingly to mitigate the risk of rock falls and bursts. Technologies include rock drilling, light detection and ranging (LiDAR), ground penetrating radar (GPR), electrical resistance tomography (ERT), and various acoustic, thermographic and seismic techniques. Machine learning methods are being implemented to improve data processing and interpretation. This paper describes the status of the research program at 31 May 2023.
Selected case studies in Engineering Geophysics
(2022-11) Van Schoor, Michael; Turnbull, TV; Maphalala, B
All geophysical methods have a specific niche application(s); however, some methods are more versatile than others and are applicable to a wider range of earth science problems. This is particularly true in the case of the GPR method, which is known to provide technical solutions in a diverse range of fields that include mining, hydrogeophysics, and engineering. This paper provides selected case study examples that illustrate the versatility and value of GPR within the field of engineering. Examples of specific applications of GPR in the engineering field include: Mapping reinforcing steel structures in concrete, Locating old foundations and building structures, Locating/tracking utilities, Mapping tree roots that threaten infrastructure, Characterising sinkholes, voids and subsidence, and Studying the integrity of concrete structures.
Sustainable adoption of technology: A people-centric approach within the South African mining industry
(2025-06) Muller, R; Ntsoelengoe, Johanna S; De Kock, N; Botha, W; Pelders, Jodi L; Ramparsad, S
Understanding and clarifying the critical success factors (CSFs) that either support or inhibit the sustainable adoption of technological solutions, is required to improve the maturity of change leadership in the South African mining industry’s (SAMI) modernisation journey. Technology is seen as an enabler for solving the everyday problems of multiple stakeholders within the mining value chain. Previous work has been conducted in the Successful Application of Technologies Centred Around People (SATCAP) programme of the Mandela Mining Precinct and at the Gordon Institute of Business Science towards demystifying these CSFs, which leads to the successful design, selection and diffusion of technologies within the context of modernisation. The technologies deployed in the SAMI’s operations must be purposeful and ready to serve the industry’s multiple stakeholders’ needs and realities. The diffusion process should be people-centric, facilitating upskilling and reskilling, as skills transformation is required for the sustainable adoption of technological solutions. Mature change leadership is needed and practised intentionally and systemically; this approach will ensure that the diffused technologies achieve their purpose, namely value creation. Considering the CSFs within a people-centric change approach will accelerate the SAMI’s modernisation journey, and leverage technology as an enabler of change. The sustainable adoption and diffusion of purposeful technologies as the means will accelerate the SAMI’s various stakeholders into a modernised world of work.
The ESG impacts lens dashboard: an integration of socio-economic transformation, automation and change impact dashboards
(2025-06) Mahadeo, VJ; Sihlali, G; Gruber, S; Swettenham, T; Botha, WP; Pelders, Jodi L; Ramparsad, S
Mines need to understand the impacts of modernisation on people. Research has been commissioned by the Successful Application of Technologies Centred Around People (SATCAP) programme of the Mandela Mining Precinct to understand the effects of mining modernisation on people in the minerals sector, in support of the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) agenda. An ESG Impacts Lens Dashboard was developed to assist mines to understand the impacts of socio-economic transformation interventions, automation, and the efficacy of change management processes in the adoption of new technologies. The ESG Impacts Lens Dashboard comprises of three underlying impact evaluation (IE) dashboards (the Socio-Economic Transformation IE Dashboard, the Automation IE Dashboard, and the Change IE Dashboard), with 19 individual sub-dashboards, and over 81 specific indicators. The dashboard was developed using a design thinking and co-creative approach and integrates into a Power BI platform. The dashboard, user-guideline, and supporting videos are available on the Mandela Mining Precinct’s website. Dissemination to industry has been through various seminars, conferences and presentations at industry forums.

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