If deep-level mines in South Africa do not change the way they operate, they could be forced to close in the next 20 years, University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) School of Mining Engineering head Fred Cawood stated at an event hosted by high technology engineering group Sandvik in Johannesburg, last month.

He noted that a major challenge currently faced by underground mining operations is incorporating technology that is able to work in harsh environments.

“It is becoming more difficult to squeeze profit out of deep-level mining operations. Over the last 20 years, there has been a revolution in communication technology; however, these technologies were developed for surface applications. They now have to be adapted for underground use,” he stated.

Cawood said that, in addition to the digital- mine mock-up that is being built beneath the School of Mining Engineering, a drone for underground mining applications, which was tested last month and can be used for a range of operations, is being developed.

“Drones can be sent in after rock blasting has taken place to make sure that it is safe for miners to proceed. They also have the ability to detect illegal miners working and living underground by communicating the data they pick up back to a control room above ground,” he said.

Cawood also noted that the digital mine could develop new technologies that could potentially extend the life of underground mines in South Africa by between 10 and 20 years, explaining that the digital mine could act as an interim phase ahead of the ‘mine of the future’.

“The aim of Wits’ digital mine is to look at technology – such as new cameras that can measure distance, as well as technology that can detect fever and tuberculosis – to assist the underground mining sector in the country,” he explained.

He added that the technology would have the ability to assist mines in achieving ‘no harm’ objectives and delivering profitable benefits.

Meanwhile, Cawood pointed out that South African mines need to make use of mechanisation in order to remain competitive.

“Workers in a mechanised environment will earn more if they are prepared to be reskilled. There is a very large market for artisans in the underground mining sector and if miners can be converted into skilled artisans, it will help the economy because the mechanised environment will lead not only to more artisans, but also to other skilled workers,” he said.

He commented that the downside to mechanisation, however, is that the miners who do not become artisans will not earn the money that a rock driller gets now.

“It is harsh but it is not as harsh as putting mines out of business, because, then, everyone loses their jobs,” he said, adding that there is no point to a mine where the operational costs outweigh the mine’s income.

He stated that the digital mine could make a contribution towards the industry’s objective to be safer and more profitable.