Innovation & technology

A CLOSER LOOK

• Mandela Mining Precinct

  The Mandela Mining Precinct (MMP), an outcome of the government-supported Mining Phakisa process, and previously referred to as the
  Mining Precinct’s Innovation Hub, was opened in September 2018. The MMP creates a space for researchers from various institutions and organisations to collaborate and work together. The function of the precinct is to co-ordinate research activities towards the revitalisation
  of South Africa’s mining operations through the development of next-generation mining systems.

  Sibanye-Stillwater played a key role in the opening of the Mandela Mining Precinct and participates in the MMP’s six steering committees, which meet quarterly and the innovation team, which meets three times a year.

• 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.

• DataProphet AI-powered Plant

  To understand and demonstrate the achievable value creation through digital transformation, we have partnered with South African
  company, DataProphet, to implement an artificial intelligence (AI) powered plant optimisation system. AI is used to extract value from historical data and optimise manufacturing and mineral processing plants. On processing the data, the solution creates a learnt digital twin of the plant and can deduce the entire process from the equivalent of hundreds of years’ worth of institutional knowledge embedded in the data. Optimum operating patterns are identified from the historical data and used to prescribe actions based on the current operating characteristics of the plant. These prescriptions are provided within the context of a systemwide view which takes into consideration upstream and downstream processes. The result is a reduction in variation and improved plant metrics through optimised and unified operations.

  Preliminary indications suggest that, when applied, a potential recovery change of between 1.5% and 3% is achievable with no significant amendments to other quality parameters. This translates to a commensurate improvement of ounces produced through treatment of the same volume of mined ore.

• Relevant media
  • March 21, 2020: BASF launches a new Tri-Metal Catalyst, developed in collaboration with and sponsored by Sibanye-Stillwater and Impala Platinum
  • Oct 29, 2018: BBC News: Are hydrogen trains the future of UK travel?

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