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Precinct pursues implementable solutions

29th April 2022

By: Nadine Ramdass

Creamer Media Writer

     

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Public–private partnership Mandela Mining Precinct (MMP) has strengthened its focus on developing and sourcing implementable solutions for the mining industry.

The precinct has shifted its focus, from an investment and research perspective, towards the “latter technology readiness levels” to ensure the development and transfer of implementable solutions to the mining industry, MMP director Johan le Roux explains.

The precinct is co-managed and -hosted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and mining industry employers’ organisation Minerals Council South Africa, and its increased focus on implementable solutions has resulted in various methods to make mining operations more efficient.

The synthetic pipe stick is one such solution that serves as a more efficient and safer alternative to a timber pit prop, which is a timber rod used to support the hangingwall in a mine, explains MMP strategic adviser Dick Kruger.

However, timber is vulnerable to burning. On behalf of the producer, the precinct tested the elongate made from synthetic materials, which performed well under pressure and stress, especially in comparison with timber products.

It does not burn, and it weighs 16 kg, compared with the 30 kg to 40 kg of the timber used for this application.

Another breakthrough solution of the precinct’s development team is the digital shift supervisor logbook.

Mineral law requires that shift supervisors carry a notebook and record of their observations during a shift, but the precinct developed a system to make this process digital.

Shift supervisors can now use a digital tablet that is linked to their respective mine’s system. When data is entered into the system anywhere in the mine, it is immediately available and accessible on the system.

The precinct is also working on the ongoing development of a real-time information management system; as part of the system’s development programme.

The system is being developed in stages, with parts nearing completion and, once all the parts have been completed, they will form a complete system for mines to allow for total digitalised control of operations. It will also encompass a knowledge portal as a support resource.

The precinct, through its advanced orebody knowledge programme, has been testing electric resistance thermography ground-penetrating radars and thermal tomography and acoustic methodologies to develop an integrated system, explains Kruger.

The system will potentially provide insight of about 10 m into the working face.

The system can prepare miners for what to expect when blasting the working face. Unexpected faults or pockets of gas, besides other factors, can be extremely disruptive for production. Therefore, being able to pre-empt what will occur following a blast can help miners to prepare for delays and take additional safety precautions, he adds.

The precinct has also developed the first remote explosives charging unit prototype through its collaboration with tertiary institution University of Pretoria.

It is suited for low-profile operations, enabling operators to sit about 2 m away from the working face in a supported area. Therefore, mineworkers will not be directly exposed to the resulting dust and moisture.

Underground Testing Unlocked

The MMP has also confirmed the signing of an agreement for the establishment of an underground testing facility, in partnership with mining company Royal Bafokeng Platinum (RBPlat) at its Maseve North Mine, in the North West province.

“Following negotiations and investigations, we came to an agreement with RBPlat that we can use the mine for low-risk testwork,” says Kruger.

RBPlat has made the disused and maintenance North shaft of the mine available. The precinct will build surface infrastructure, such as offices and a reception area, and install WiFi communication systems.

Some testing has been conducted at the facility over the past year and the precinct will start with additional low-risk testing once the infrastructure is completed.

The precinct is appreciative of the mine being made available by RBPlat because of the impact a dedicated testing facility can have on research and development in the mining industry, says Le Roux.

The facility offers the MMP and its collaborators an opportunity to develop and test technologies suited to mining environments. Currently, testing is done in a laboratory environment, which limits the understanding that research teams can gain.

The facility is also beneficial for training purposes and exposing mining industry researchers and students to a real mine environment.

As part of the implementation process, the precinct will do broader promotion of the testing facility, and its associated services, to the mining industry.

“We hope to attract our first commercial users in the very near future,” concludes Kruger.

Edited by Nadine James
Features Deputy Editor

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