The University of Johannesburg (UJ) and Sibanye-Stillwater officially launched the Simulacrum Mining Facility and the Sibanye-Stillwater Centre for Sustainable Mining (SS-CSM) on UJ’s Doornfontein Campus on Friday, 22 November 2024.
Speaking at the launch, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi reflected on the important role the mining sector plays in the South African economy.
According to the Minerals Council, in 2023 alone, mining ensured that 479,228 people were employed, R444.2 billion was contributed to our GDP and R85.5 billion was contributed in taxes.
“This is an industry to take seriously. However, traditional mining practices have had detrimental effects on the environment and communities thus making the compelling case for sustainable mining. A sustainable lens aligns environmental preservation with economic growth and social equity. This convergence ensures that mining remains a cornerstone of the economy while safeguarding the environment and empowering communities for generations to come – the very tenets of sustainable development.”
Prof Mpedi concluded: “It is through collaborations such as this that we stand on the precipice of change for a more sustainable and equitable future.”
The Simulacrum transforms how mining professionals are trained, combining a physical mine simulation—features a vertical shaft, mine tunnels and stope environments, a rescue chamber, and extensive virtual reality infrastructure to simulate an underground mining environment. This advanced facility replicates real mining environments and displays real-time data, allowing students and researchers to gain insights previously only accessible through on-site mining visits. The simulation overcomes challenges such as safety restrictions, travel limitations, and capacity constraints often faced in practical mining education.
The partnership between UJ and Sibanye-Stillwater spans more than 10 years, with over R55 million invested in research and development, new technologies and practical training for mining students.
Sibanye-Stillwater will contribute R12.75 million to fund the activities of the Centre, covering the period from 2024 to 2026. The vision of the SS-CSM is, through innovations in research and capacity development, to make a positive impact on Africa’s need for sustainable mining and reliance on the sector for its development. A specific focus is placed on applied research on mining value chain optimisation using 4IR technologies, mining ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) and licence to practise issues, and capacity development for sustainable mining. The SS-CSM, while aiming for sustainable mining, will work on solutions for mining – by Africans for Africa and future generations.
Sibanye-Stillwater Chief Regional Officer Dr Richard Stewart said the sponsorship would help strengthen the teaching and learning and provide support to mining students.
He added that for the sector to continuously improve on safety, it required ongoing innovation.
“Likewise for sustainability and growth of our sector, involvement rests with today’s students who truly are part of a digital generation, who will advance the way the industry operates in ways we can’t begin to imagine today.”
This partnership positions UJ as a key contributor to the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) in mining, integrating Extended Reality (XR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR) to develop safer and more productive mining practices.
Professor Hennie Grobler, Head of UJ’s Department of Mining Engineering, highlighted how the simulation mine supports UJ’s strategic approach to research and innovation in academia. “This partnership ensures that we are developing specialised skills as we move deeper into the fourth industrial revolution. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, we are better preparing graduates for a technology-driven future.”
The event highlighted a forward-looking partnership focused on transforming the mining landscape, making it safer, smarter, and more resilient.
