Innovation & technology

Sibanye-Stillwater strives to be at the forefront of innovation in the mining industry. We continue to invest in digitisation and innovative technologies that will make the future of mining safer, more efficient and more sustainable.

We have identified a number of projects to advance the mine of the future including applying newly developed battery technology in mobile assets like locomotives and trackless mobile machinery and applying analytics and deep learning algorithms to improve overall equipment and processing effectiveness.

We recognise that there is significant value in leveraging external expertise to advance innovation and therefore recently established an advisory panel of globally renowned experts from various industries and institutions that is helping us fast track ideation and prioritize key strategic aspects of our digital transformation.

We also played a key role in the opening of the Mandela Mining Precinct in Johannesburg, South Africa, a space for researchers from various institutions and organisations to collaborate and work together, enabling greater access to research and mining staff for coordination of research activities that advance the development of next-generation mining systems.

A CLOSER LOOK

DigiMine laboratory

We have partnered with the Wits Mining Institute at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg to develop a state-of-the-art mining laboratory. The DigiMine Laboratory is a one-of-its-kind laboratory complete with a Mock Mine that simulates actual underground mining conditions and enables researchers to develop and test digital systems in a simulated environment. Through the research conducted at the DigiMine, we are investing in making mining safer and sustainable using digital technologies.

Learn more at www.wits.ac.za/wmi/digimine/
3D printing

The Precious Metal Refinery developed the first 3D printer utilising pure platinum powder developed in-house to meet exacting specifications. The project, which started before the Lonmin operations were acquired by Sibanye-Stillwater, is a collaboration between the company and South Africa’s Central University of Technology, Northwest University of Technology and Vaal University of Technology, and aims to develop prototype facilities for budding entrepreneurs to produce products containing PGMs via additive manufacturing or 3D printing.
Relevant media
- BBC News: Are hydrogen trains the future of UK travel?
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