Conference Publications

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Browsing Conference Publications by browse.metadata.cluster "Mining"

Now showing 1 - 8 of 8
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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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    CSIR Dynamometer testing facility: Woven, brake liner, tests
    (2024-09) Teleka, Seipati R
    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.
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    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.
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    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.