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City Press reports that the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has developed new technology to address the safety issues in South Africa’s mines.
The organisation has been researching new technology under the SA Mining Extraction Research Development and Innovation programme, which focuses on extending the life of mines and existing operations and accessing resources not previously possible. This programme includes advanced ore body knowledge that looks at technology to identify risks in working areas. “There are certain geological anomalies that may occur and if we can be notified before we encounter them we can take necessary precautions … to support the number of personnel in the working area,” said Dr Shaniel Davrajh, principal engineer at the CSIR. This would use the technology of ground penetrating radar to identify what is behind the rocks in mines. Other technology at the CSIR includes thermal hanging wall inspection in a form of a robot that could be used to assist in the early entry examination process within the mining cycle. Together with the Mandela Mining Precinct, the CSIR is moving towards a second phase in the programme that involves engaging mining companies to implement the technology. Davrajh observed that there was a large “people component” to this project and he believes previous projects failed because they did not take into account human factors.
- Read this report by Phelokazi Mbude in full at City Press
- Read too, CSIR unveils technologies to enhance mine safety, at Mining Weekly
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page